Research of Multiple System Atrophy

Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy

Control Subjects Needed

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the environmental and genetic (hereditary) factors that contribute to the development of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and the natural history of the disease. This will be accomplished by comparing environmental and genetic attributes of MSA subjects with those of neurologically normal subjects.

To qualify as a control subject you need to be a non-related family member of an MSA patient or the spouse of a person with a neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease.  By participating as a control subject, you will come to Boston University Medical Center for one evaluation and will be asked to give a blood sample for genetic studies.  At a later date, you will also take part in a phone interview to answer questions about toxin exposure, behavioral and dietary habits, medical history, family history and residential and occupational history.

If you would be interested in participating as a control subject in this study, please contact Melissa Diggin, GNP at (617) 638-7704.