Dr. Elan Louis and colleagues at Yale University along with Dr. Lorraine Clark at Columbia University have teamed together for an important research “FASET II”, to try to identify the genes that are responsible for ET. They are calling on the assistance of the ET community to help them complete this groundbreaking research, which at the moment is the largest NIH-funded project of its kind. The help of the ET community is vital.
Eligible families would comply with the following criteria:
- There are at least 3 affected family members and at least 2 unaffected family members. Each family has at least 5 individuals willing to participate.
- One person in your family has been diagnosed by a doctor as having ET (rather than dystonia or Parkinson’s disease, for example).
- Your tremor had started by the time you were 50 years old.
- Two of your affected relatives, are living and also do not have any accompanying dystonia or Parkinson’s disease. (they do not have to have an official diagnosis)
- You have at least two relatives that do not have any ET.
- You think you and your family members are willing to donate a blood sample, answer some questionnaires and undergo a videotaped neurological exam during a home visit that will take place in each of your homes. Each interview will last approximate 2-3 hours.
- This is a nationwide study, in which the researchers will travel to meet with qualified participants individually. There are no costs associated with your participation and we work around your available schedule. If you are interested, call 203.737.1013 or email tremorgenetics@yale.edu
