Investigating Glymphatic Dysfunction in ALS: A Longitudinal Study Using the DTI-ALPS Index

Doctors often use biomarkers which are measurable signs in the body to better understand diseases, track their progress, and test whether treatments are working. Right now, there is no reliable biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that weakens muscles over time and makes it difficult to move, speak, eat, and breathe. Sadly, ALS patients have limited survival time (3-5 years) after symptoms begin, and there is currently no cure. Our project looks at the brain’s cleaning system (glymphatic system) which acts to filter and remove toxic substances. An impairment in this system might contribute to the damage seen in ALS. We will use special brain scans (MR scans) to measure how well this cleaning system is working and test if these measures can serve as a biomarker for ALS. This research could help doctors track ALS more accurately, provide more personalized care, and guide new treatments for this fatal condition. Our work will further the mission of the Alberta ALS Research Network in improving the quality of life of ALS patients through earlier detection

Faculty Supervisor:

Gerald Pfeffer;Richard Frayne

Student:

Partner:

Alberta ALS Research Network

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program: