Relatives of MS patients have an increased risk of developing MS. This risk is particularly high in identical twins, but also increased in first-degree family members. Recent studies suggest a complex interplay of genes involved in the disease and environmental triggers.

Researchers at TUM University Hospital and LMU Klinikum are working together on the PREDICT study under the direction of Prof. Bernhard Hemmer, Director of the Neurological Clinic at TUM. The aim of the study is to develop a test procedure that can be used to assess the risk of MS in relatives of MS patients. The project's long-term goal is to identify people with a high risk of developing the disease to prevent it by treating them early. The project is supported by the SyNergy Cluster of Excellence and the EU project WISDOM.

Participants needed

The TUM University Hospital and the LMU Hospital are now looking for adult participants whose parents or siblings have multiple sclerosis. All study participants will be interviewed using a questionnaire and blood samples will be taken. If participants have to travel a long way, it is also possible to schedule a video conference and send the blood sample to us via the family doctor. Participants are contacted after 24 and 60 months to answer questions about their state of health. Participants for whom we assume a very high or very low risk after analyzing the questionnaires and the blood sample will undergo a clinical examination, including MRI, after 24 and 60 months.