Pre-symptomatic detection and early diagnosis in MND
Related topics
A session at the 2024 International Symposium on ALS/MND will examine presymptomatic detection and earlier diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Speakers will discuss early biological, motor, cognitive and behavioural signs, community support for people with gene changes, and prevention trials. One example is the phase 3 ATLAS trial, which is testing tofersen in people with an SOD1 gene change who develop raised neurofilament light chain levels before symptoms.
Why this matters
Earlier identification could help people access support, treatment and clinical trials sooner. The session also highlights the psychological and practical needs of people who carry ALS-linked gene changes but have no symptoms. These discussions and the trial do not yet show that presymptomatic testing or early treatment can prevent or delay MND.
Limitations and context
This is an organisational preview of planned symposium talks, not a report of new primary research or trial results. The source does not provide ATLAS results, participant numbers or evidence that tofersen prevents or delays symptoms. The reported average one-year diagnostic delay applies to the UK and comes from the organisation’s blog.