MIND-MAPS-ALS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease – Mitochondria, Associated Proteins & Synapses – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
IRAS ID
259539
Contact name
Marios Politis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Ethics & Governance Office Exeter University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neurone disease. In this disease there is death of the nerve cells that control muscle movement. This leads to increasing muscle weakness, including muscles important for movement, swallowing and breathing.
The cause of this condition is still unknown, although it is thought that people’s genes and their environment play a role. Our aim is to look into the cause of this disease, so that in the future treatments can be made to slow or even stop the worsening of the condition.
We plan to use a special type of brain scan, called PET, to explore how brain activity is effected in ALS. In particular, we will measure the mitochondrial activity (the source of energy of brain cells) and synapses (the links between the nerve cells that allow communication and control of the movements). Another type of brain scan, called MRI, will be used to investigate the brain’s structure and function. Finally, we will complete a detailed clinical and psychological assessment.
We aim to follow up participants with a new ALS diagnosis (with symptoms starting in their limbs), aged between 25 and 85, over a one year period. Three clinical visits will take place at King’s College Hospital and four visits for brain scans will take place at Invicro (an imaging centre next to Hammersmith Hospital). We will reimburse transportation to and from home to the hospital and refreshments throughout the visits. We will also offer, as a small thank you, £100 per scan (up to £800).
The findings from this study will be reported at local, national and international meetings and conferences. We will maintain a high impact publishing policy, submitting to open-access, top-tier, and peer-reviewed journals and will inform participants of relevant publications.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0779
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion