Saliva test for signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias
Salivary Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
This project looks for tiny particles in saliva that could signal Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303391 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect saliva samples and isolate tiny particles called extracellular vesicles. They will analyze those particles for proteins and other signals linked to Alzheimer's and related disorders and compare findings with clinical information. The work will include people with and without symptoms to see if saliva markers can identify risk before symptoms appear. The team at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital aims to develop an easy, noninvasive tool that could be used in regular clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults, especially those with memory concerns, mild cognitive problems, or a family history of Alzheimer's who can provide saliva samples and medical information.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, clear non-Alzheimer's diagnoses, or those unable or unwilling to provide saliva samples may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable a simple, noninvasive saliva screening to identify people at higher risk for Alzheimer's or related dementias earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Blood-based amyloid and tau tests have shown promise, but using saliva extracellular vesicles for Alzheimer's detection is a newer approach still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kreiling, Jill — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Kreiling, Jill
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.