Lateral sclerosis

This early-stage trial tests a brain-computer interface called BrainGate for people with paralysis from conditions like ALS or spinal cord injury. A small sensor is placed in the brain to interpret movement-related signals, allowing users to control a tablet computer just by thin…

This study tests several already-approved drugs to see if they can slow down motor neuron disease (MND) and help people live longer. About 1150 adults with MND will be randomly assigned to receive one of the study drugs or a placebo. The trial uses a flexible design, allowing ine…

Neuralink is testing a brain-computer interface called the N1 Implant, placed by a robot, to help people with severe paralysis communicate. The study will enroll 6 adults with conditions like ALS or spinal cord injury who cannot speak or use their hands well. The main goal is to …

This study tests a new approach for people with motor neuron disease (ALS) that combines personalized brain stimulation with mixed reality exercise games. The goal is to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. One hundred adults with mild to moderate ALS will be ran…

This study is testing a smartphone app that records and analyzes speech to help diagnose and monitor neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease. Researchers will compare speech patterns from 150 people with these …

This study tests whether custom 3D-printed cutlery handles can help people with neurodegenerative diseases eat more independently. 75 patients in rehabilitation care will try handles in different sizes, designed to fit their grip. Researchers will measure changes in eating abilit…

This study tests whether a single 30-minute session of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the face can reduce jaw and facial pain, improve jaw movement, and make chewing easier for people with ALS or PLS. Ten participants will receive the treatment during one c…

This study tests whether whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) can help adults with neuromuscular diseases like ALS, SMA, and muscular dystrophy exercise safely. Because these conditions weaken the nerves that control muscles, traditional exercise is often too hard. W…

This study aims to learn more about rare inherited disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves. Researchers will collect medical history, perform exams, and run genetic tests on up to 3,500 participants. No new treatments are tested; the goal is to better un…

This study screens 360 adults with neurodegenerative disorders like ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Researchers will use medical history, physical exams, memory tests, movement analysis, MRI scans, and other tests to find common features and diff…

This study is for people diagnosed with ALS, MND, or PLS. Participants fill out an online survey once a month about their physical function, diet, supplements, medications, and mental outlook. The goal is to see which therapies and behaviors are linked to better outcomes. No new …

This study gathers information from the medical records of 1,200 people with ALS and similar conditions. Researchers will use this data to better understand the disease and improve future studies. No experimental treatments are given—the goal is simply to learn from real-world pa…

This study is building a large database of health information from 5,000 people with ALS and other motor neuron diseases. Participants share details like symptoms, test results, and disease progression during regular clinic visits. The de-identified data is then shared with resea…

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…

This study looks at people with brain damage from strokes, tumors, or other conditions to understand why they have specific thinking problems. Researchers will use brain scans and cognitive tests to link brain areas to deficits. The goal is to learn more about how the brain works…

CAPTURE ALS is a long-term study that collects health data and biological samples from 150 people with ALS and related conditions. The goal is to create a shared resource for researchers worldwide to better understand the disease and develop new treatments. No experimental drugs …

This study aims to find early markers of Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementia by analyzing samples from the nose, blood, and urine. Researchers will compare results from 180 people with these conditions and healthy volunteers. The goal is to improv…

This study is collecting health data and blood samples from 100 people with specific types of hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4 and SPG5A). The goal is to create a shared database and biobank to better understand how the disease progresses. This information will help prepare fo…

This study gathers medical information from 200 adults with possible nerve, muscle, or autonomic nervous system disorders who are not already in other NIH studies. Participants undergo standard tests like nerve conduction studies, EMG, and physical exams. The data is stored anony…

This study is looking at how people with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer's or stroke) perform on computer-based thinking tests. The goal is to create a detailed map of cognitive strengths and weaknesses acr…

This study uses powerful MRI scans to find biomarkers—measurable signs of disease—for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Researchers will compare brain images from patients and healthy volunteers to better understand these diseases and potent…

This study looks at whether using a swallow gel or a semi-solid vehicle can help people with neurological conditions swallow pills more easily and safely. Researchers will observe 500 participants, including patients with swallowing disorders and healthy volunteers, as they swall…