Biospecimen Biorepository for the Study of ALS, ALS-FTD and Similar Neurodegenerative Disorders

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.