Comprehensive Analysis Platform To Understand, Remedy and Eliminate ALS
A Long-Term Observational Study Collecting Data and Biosamples for ALS Research
Led by University of Alberta · Updated on 2026-04-13
150
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
533 weeks
Total Duration
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AI-Summary
Official Title
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Trial Site Locations
Research Team
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Sponsors
U
University of Alberta
Lead Sponsor
M
McGill University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are conducting a long-term observational study to better understand the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and related disorders, including Primary Lateral Sclerosis, Progressive Muscular Atrophy, and Frontotemporal Degeneration. The study aims to collect and analyze extensive multimodal data and biosamples to support future ALS research efforts across Canada and worldwide through a data sharing platform called CAPTURE ALS.
Participants with ALS or related neurodegenerative conditions will attend up to five in-person visits over one year, including screening and visits at 0, 4, 8, and 12 months. Healthy volunteers matched by age will attend three visits at screening, 0, and 8 months. During these visits, participants will undergo MRI scans, cognitive and speech tests, specialized clinical evaluations for ALS patients, and complete health questionnaires. Biosamples such as blood, saliva, and optionally cerebrospinal fluid will be collected.
Throughout the study, researchers will assess disease progression using tools like the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, forced vital capacity, neurological exams, MRI scans, and cognitive and quality of life questionnaires, all conducted every four months for one year. This continuous monitoring and data collection will provide a detailed picture of ALS progression and impact, supporting future research and potential treatments.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Comprehensive Analysis Platform To Understand, Remedy and Eliminate ALS
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
Patients must have ALS or a related disorder classified by specific criteria or be asymptomatic with a known ALS mutation
Participants must be of legal adult age in their province
Participants must be able to provide informed consent
Participants must be proficient in English or French to follow study instructions and complete questionnaires
Healthy controls must be aged 40 to 80 or age-matched within 3 years to a patient participant
Healthy controls must be of legal adult age in their province
Healthy controls must be able to provide informed consent
Healthy controls must be proficient in English or French to follow study instructions and complete questionnaires
You will not qualify if you...
Healthy controls cannot have a history of neurological diseases such as stroke, head injury, epilepsy, neuropathy, or myopathy
Healthy controls cannot have a clinical diagnosis of psychiatric disease or be currently using psychiatric medications for such conditions
Participants ineligible for MRI due to pacemakers or other contraindications according to local policies cannot participate
Participants with significant claustrophobia preventing MRI scanning cannot participate
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Toronto / Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3M5
Actively Recruiting
3
McGill University / Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital
Comprehensive analysis platform to understand, remedy, and eliminate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (CAPTURE ALS): Study protocol for a Canadian multicenter, multimodal, longitudinal observational study.