Despite advances in medical research, there is much we still don’t know about how neurodegenerative diseases like neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) develop and progress, as well as the ways they are impacted by different risk factors. To address these questions, we turn to population studies.  

Population studies involve researching large groups of people to understand health trends and factors that affect diseases. These studies are important because they help scientists and doctors identify patterns and causes of diseases, leading to better prevention and treatments. Population studies can reveal how common certain diseases are, what risk factors might contribute to their development, and how they progress over time. At the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, we are particularly interested in understanding the role of the environment and metabolic factors, such as obesity and diabetes, in the development and progression of these diseases. By analyzing data from diverse groups, we can discover new insights into these conditions, ultimately improving our ability to diagnose, treat, and possibly prevent them.