Genetic Studies in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a condition marked by the deterioration of mental function. The disease usually begins in late middle life and results in death in 5 to 10 years. Patients with Alzheimer's disease typically suffer from memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. The condition has become a major medical and social problem in the United States because of the increasing number of people living beyond the age of 65. The actual cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown.

Researchers believe that Alzheimer's disease, or at least a portion of cases, may be an inherited condition. As a result, many new techniques have been developed to study the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Many of these genetic techniques require blood samples and a family pedigree. A pedigree is a chart, similar to a family tree, that shows a patient's family history.

The purpose of this study is to collect family and psychosocial information, blood, and biopsy samples from patients with neurological diseases, their families, and normal volunteers. This information gathered will be used to learn more about diseases that affect the brain.

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Key information

Conditions

Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer Disease Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Dementia Mental Disorders Nervous System Disease Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Neurodegenerative Diseases Tauopathies

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

About this study

This is a screening and follow-up Protocol. Recent technological advances have facilitated the development of new approaches for investigating the underlying genetic basis of neurological disorders, but genetic questions remain open and on going. Application of many genetic techniques require a family pedigree and blood sample. Peripheral blood lymphoblasts which are banked also serve as a renewable source for harvesting DNA which can be used for developing genetic markers in the future. This study will allow collection of family and psychosocial information and blood specimens from patients with neurological diseases, their families, and normal control subjects.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Need to know extensive family history information.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

Biochemical and Genetic Studies in Familial Alzheimer's Disease

Important dates

Study start: 1988
Study completion: 2004
First posted: Nov 4, 1999
Registry last updated: Mar 4, 2008

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed