Brain scans may unlock secrets of ALS
NCT ID NCT02567136
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
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 potentially improve future treatments. The study is currently recruiting 30 participants aged 21 to 75.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could identify reliable biomarkers for ALS and PLS, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment monitoring.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study (30 participants) focused on imaging, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear biomarkers or directly benefit participants.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Start date
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Sep 2015
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
This study will enroll ALS patients seeking care at the University of Minnesota and age-matched healthy control volunteers.
- Ages
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21 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 21 to 75 years of age inclusive. * Willing and able to give signed informed consent that has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). ALS patients: * A clinical diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS, according to a modified El Escorial criteria. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, etc). * Clinically significant history of unstable medical illness (unstable angina, advanced cancer, etc) over the last 30 days. * Inability to undergo MRI scanning, including but not limited to unable to remain still in an MRI scanner for more than 30 minutes, claustrophobia, presence of paramagnetic substances or pacemakers in body, weight over 300 lbs, or in the opinion of the investigator, if there is a strong likelihood that the subject would not be able to lie flat comfortably for 75-90 minutes. * The subject requires assistance to ambulate OR climb stairs, unless in the opinion of the investigator, and based upon the subject's rate of disease progression, the subject is likely to be able to participate in the MRI screening 12 months after enrollment.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55414, United States
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