Using saliva to identify risks of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
Official title: Saliva based protein markers for predicting the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10849780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins in saliva might help us predict if older adults are at risk for memory problems or dementia, making it easier and cheaper to spot these issues without needing invasive tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082164-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing early signs of cognitive decline or are at risk for developing dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those who do not exhibit any signs of cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of saliva-based protein markers to predict the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. By analyzing saliva samples, the study aims to identify non-invasive and cost-effective biomarkers that can differentiate between mild cognitive impairment and dementia compared to cognitively healthy individuals. The approach includes examining the oral microbiome and systemic inflammatory markers to enhance the accuracy of predictions. This method seeks to provide a more accessible alternative to current diagnostic techniques that are often invasive and expensive.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of individuals at risk for cognitive decline and dementia, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advances in using biomarkers for cognitive decline, this specific approach using saliva is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Shalini — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Jain, Shalini
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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.