Montreal Researchers Join International Study of Rare Disease Friedreich’s Ataxia

Brittany Sommerfield, from Winnipeg, who is a volunteer in a study to learn more about Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare genetic disease, is shown in this undated handout image. The Canadian Press/HO

Montreal researchers are joining an international study to learn more about a little-understood genetic disease that is found in Canada, and especially in Quebec and in Acadian regions of the Maritimes.

Dr. Massimo Pandolfo of the Montreal Neurological Institute is among the experts collecting research about Friedreich’s ataxia, a condition that causes progressive mobility limitations as well as other issues, including cardiac problems.