In Norwegian
Node leader: Ole-Bjørn Tysnes
Ole-Bjørn Tysnes is a consultant neurologist at the Department of Neurology at Haukeland University Hospital, and professor of neurology at the University of Bergen. He has for many years focused on research in ALS and PD and is PI of the ongoing ALS studies at Neuro-SysMed.
The ALS node conducts clinical and molecular research with the aim to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of individuals with ALS.
Node activities
Translational and clinical research from our PD Node and other groups has nominated NAD-replenishment therapy as a potential neuroprotective intervention across neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, one small study suggested that the combination of NR and pterostilbene (a sirtuin activator), may have added benefit in patients with ALS (PMID: 30668199). Encouraged by this evidence, the ALS Node conducts clinical trials to determine whether combination therapy of NR and pterostilbene may inhibit neurodegeneration and increase survival and quality of life in patients with ALS. At the end of 2024, 335 patients are included in the NO-ALS trial.
Another area the ALS Node is particularly active in is evaluating the effect of life-prolonging interventions, such as mechanical ventilation, on the quality of life of patients and their informal caregivers. We have initiated the ALS-LTMV study to evaluate the effect of life prolonging therapies on the quality of life in patients, spouse and children.
Finally, the ALS Node conducts research aiming to improve the diagnosis and tailored treatment opportunities for patients and we are planning research for ALS clusters in Norway.
During 2024, the ALS node made substantial advances in their clinical research projects, which include five clinical trials, including one industry-sponsored trial, and one prospective cohort study.
See an overview of the clinical trials in the ALS-node on the page ALS and Clinical Studies.