Skin and ALS

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The purpose of this research study is to determine whether measuring changes in the elastic properties of the skin through the use of a Cutometer® can serve as an indirect measure of the progression of ALS. The Cutometer® is a minimal risk device that measures the elasticity of the skin through a gentle, painless, suction on the skin.

In this study, the changes in the elastic properties of the skin as measured by the Cutometer® will be compared to changes in the neurological function of the patients. Recordings will be taken by study staff trained in the use of the Cutometer® on the inside surface of the subject's forearm and lower back. The spouses of patients enrolled in the study will be asked to serve as controls and they will also be measured using the Cutometer®. Participants (enrolled patients and spouses) will be followed at each regular visit at the Center (approximately once every 3 months) for a maximum of 6 months. Changes in the Cutometer® readings over the 6 month period of measurement will be compared between ALS subjects and controls and we will examine the data to see if Cutometer® readings correlate with changes in neurological function over the same 6 month period.