What We Do
The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is dedicated to advancing research and ultimately finding the cures for two closely related groups of neurodegenerative disorders termed Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS). These conditions share the common pathologic feature of degeneration principally of the upper motor neurons.
Scientists have unraveled many of the riddles regarding the complicated biochemistry of these diseases. Many HSP genes have now been discovered as well as a gene for PLS. Animal models for these disorders have been developed. They will enable investigators to further uncover the biochemical processes that cause nerve degeneration and identify and test therapy targets.
