Long-term study of blood and spinal fluid samples in people with ALS

You may qualify if

• Inclusion Criteria - Patient with ALS, ALS-FTD or Similar Neurodegenerative Disease:; Clinical diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable or definite ALS according to modified eL Escorial criteria, suspected ALS according to original el Escorial criteria, or diagnosis of a similar neurodegenerative disorder.; Willing to provide consent, or assent, if physically unable to consent owing to disease-related muscle weakness. Inclusion Criteria - Spouse/Domestic Partner of Patients with ALS/ALS-FTD and Similar Neurodegenerative Disorder or Subject with Family History of ALS, ALS-FTD or Similar Neurodegenerative Disease:; No personal history of ALS, ALS-FTD or other motor neuron disease.; Subjects with family history of ALS, ALS-FTD the affected family member needs to be a first, second, or third degree blood relative.; Willing to provide consent. Exclusion Criteria - Subject with ALS/ALS-FTD or Similar Neurodegenerative Disease:; History of medical disorder that leaves in question whether neurological signs and symptoms potentially related to a neurodegenerative disease may be caused by another unrelated disorder.; Limited mental capacity rendering the subject unable to comply with lumbar puncture or standard phlebotomy procedures.; For lumbar puncture, an increased risk of bleeding complications or allergy to local anesthetic administered or skin antiseptic used for lumbar puncture. Exclusion Criteria - Spouse/Domestic Partner of Patients with ALS/ALS-FTD and Similar Neurodegenerative Disorder or Subject with Family History of ALS, ALS-FTD or Similar Neurodegenerative Disease:; Limited mental capacity rendering the subject unable to comply with lumbar puncture or standard phlebotomy procedures.; For lumbar puncture, an increased risk of bleeding complications or allergy to local anesthetic administered or skin antiseptic used for lumbar puncture.