Clinical Trial: Genetic Characterization of Movement Disorders and Dementias

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational




Official Title: Genetic Characterization of Movement Disorders and Dementias

Brief Summary:

Background:

There are two basic types of movement disorders. Some cause excessive movement, some cause slowness or lack of movement. Some of these are caused by mutations in genes. On the other hand, dementia is a condition of declining mental abilities, especially memory. Dementia can occur at any age but becomes more frequent with age. Researchers want to study the genes of families with a history of movement disorders or dementia. They hope to find a genetic cause of these disorders. This can help them better understand and treat the diseases. This study will not be limited to a particular disorder, but will study all movement disorders or dementias in general. This study will perform genetic testing to identify the genetic causes of movement disorders and dementia. Today, genetic testing can be done to analyze multiple genes at the same time. This increases the chances of finding the genetic cause of movement disorders and dementias.

Objectives:

To learn more about movement disorders and dementia, their causes, and treatments.

Eligibility:

Adults and children with a movement disorder or dementia, and their family members.

Healthy volunteers.

Design:

Participants will be screened with medical history and blood tests. Some will have physical exam.

Participants will give a blood sample by a needle in the arm. This can be done at the clinic, by their own doctor, or at home. Alternatively, a saliva sample may be provided if a blood sample cannot be obtained.