Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS)

The primary objective of this clinical study is to provide the initial validation for monitoring biomarkers of symptoms and functioning for individuals with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) syndromes. Researchers at BioSensics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital will use wearable sensors, computerized speech, psychomotor, and cognitive assessments to create outcome measures and digital biomarkers for FTLD syndromes. Researchers will deploy this digital health solution to monitor 60 patients with FTLD syndromes for 24 months with study visits every 6 months.

This study is an observational, prospective genetic study. It aims to obtain DNA for research and testing from patients with PSP, CBS, MSA, and related neurological conditions and their families. Up to 1,000 adults who have been clinically diagnosed with PSP, CBS, MSA, or related neurological conditions will be enrolled. The study intervention involves sequencing of participant blood samples using non-CLIA-approved whole genome sequencing at the National Institutes of Health. Pathogenic variants that are deemed possibly related to these conditions will be confirmed using CLIA-approved testing. The study involves minimal risk to participants.

The primary goal of this study is to investigate inflammation and white matter damage in corticobasal syndrome and determine whether these processes are related to each other. The investigator's will address our goal by using neuroimaging and blood plasma biomarkers, as well as molecular pathology.