Neurological Disorders studies

Our research focuses mainly on multiple sclerosis and stroke. Our MS research includes identifying risk factors for developing MS and prognostic indicators, understanding how to minimize the risk of postpartum relapses, clinical trials of new medications, and improving quality of care. Our stroke research includes stroke prevention and clinical trials. We also study diabetic neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and migraines.

ASCEND Clinical Trial

A clinical trial to study the efficacy of natalizumab on reducing disability progression in subjects with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Principal Investigator:

Annette M. Langer-Gould, MD, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

Biogen Idec, Inc.

Funding Years:

2011 - 2016

Assessing the association between RZV and reduced risk of dementia

This is a retrospective matched cohort study to evaluate the association between two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment among Southern California adults>=65 years.

Principal Investigator:

Hung Fu Tseng, PhD, MPH

Funding Source:

GlaxoSmithKline, LLC

Funding Years:

2023 - 2026

Cholesterol-lowering medication as risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether the use of cholesterol-lowering medications increases the risk of developing ALS or influences the rate of disease progression among individuals who have ALS.

Principal Investigator:

Annette M. Langer-Gould, MD, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Funding Years:

2012 - 2013

Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)

The aim of this study is to verify the cost of care for persons with multiple sclerosis.

Principal Investigator:

Annette M. Langer-Gould, MD, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)

Funding Years:

2013

Multiple sclerosis clinical care physician fellowship program

Training and mentoring of resident in treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Principal Investigator:

Annette M. Langer-Gould, MD, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)

Funding Years:

2013 - 2014

Research Categories:

SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Cohort (Follow-Up) Study

Site Principal Investigator:

Jean M. Lawrence, ScD, MPH, MSSA

Funding Source:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Funding Years:

2015 - 2020

Zoster Vaccine and Risk Factors of Zoster and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

The aims of the study are to determine the incidence of reactivation of Oka strain VZV in community-dwelling persons vaccinated with zoster vaccines; to test clinical isolates for evidence of recombination between vaccine and wild-type strains VZV; to identify risk factors of HZ among individuals vaccinated with zoster vaccines; to identify risk factors for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) among HZ cases who were either vaccinated or unvaccinated with zoster vaccines, and to compare the clinical manifestations and risk of PHN between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Principal Investigator:

Hung Fu Tseng, PhD, MPH

Funding Source:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Funding Years:

2011 - 2017