ALS (motor neurone disease): what we know about treatments people ask about

How far testing has got

The step says how far testing has got, not that it works.

• Cannabis and cannabinoids (CBD, THC)

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 16 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Curcumin (turmeric)

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 16 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Vitamin D

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 19 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Melatonin

  Tested in medium-sized studies with patients, to see whether it does anything.

  Phase 2 or 2/3 trial on record.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 10 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Phase 2 trials

• Metformin

  Tested in medium-sized studies with patients, to see whether it does anything.

  Phase 2 or 2/3 trial on record.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 6 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Phase 2 trials

• Fasting and fasting-mimicking diet

  First small studies in people, mainly to check safety and the dose.

  Phase 1, early Phase 1 or Phase 1/2 trial on record.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 7 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  First trials in people

• High-dose vitamin C

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 11 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Hyperthermia

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 1 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Ketogenic diet

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 7 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Statins

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 19 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Dichloroacetate (DCA)

  Tested in animals only. Many things that work in animals do not work in people.

  In-vivo animal studies only.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 2 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Animal studies only

• Ivermectin

  Tested in animals only. Many things that work in animals do not work in people.

  In-vivo animal studies only.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 1 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Animal studies only

Not medical advice. Talk to the care team before changing treatment. Thinking of paying for it? Read this first