A Translational Approach to Characterize the Muscle-brain Interplay in Neurological Non-communicable Diseases The M-Brain Project

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how muscle and brain interactions relate to neurodegenerative diseases (NDGs) such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease, as well as aging. The study explores whether changes at the neuromuscular junction, where muscle and nerve communicate, contribute to these conditions. It aims to identify factors that influence brain-muscle connections and how these may predict disease progression or aging outcomes. This observational case-control study includes two groups: a "Good Aging" group of adults aged 60 or older without muscle or neurological impairments, and a "Bad Aging" group with patients diagnosed with NDGs or severe acquired brain injury, some with sarcopenia or cognitive issues. Researchers will collect clinical and biological data, including biomarkers, microRNA, and extracellular vesicle analyses, to better understand the muscle-brain relationship and movement issues. Participants will undergo assessments including the Edmonton Frail Scale at the start and after six months to measure frailty changes. The study will gather neurological and muscular phenotyping data to track participants' health trajectories. The study spans from baseline to a 6-month follow-up, monitoring physical and cognitive function to inform future clinical strategies for minimizing risks linked to aging and neurological disorders.

A Muscle-brain Interplay Study in Neurological Disorders