Using smell to assess risks of Alzheimer's disease in diverse populations
Official title: Novel olfactory-based approach to measure risks of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in diverse populations
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11038319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to check memory in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions by using smells, making it easier for everyone to understand and use, especially in communities with different reading skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $446,619 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091261-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults from diverse backgrounds, particularly those living in areas with varying literacy levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have concerns related to Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method of measuring memory function related to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by using olfactory cues. It aims to develop an olfactory-based assessment tool that can be easily understood and utilized across different populations, especially where literacy levels vary. The study will implement the Percepts of Odor Episodic Memory (POEM) protocol in a longitudinal survey of individuals affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of memory function. By focusing on olfactory memory, the research seeks to provide a more accessible way to identify cognitive deficits in aging populations worldwide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and universally applicable method for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using olfactory assessments for cognitive function, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frankenberg, Elizabeth a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Frankenberg, Elizabeth a
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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.