Testing the sense of smell to assess brain health in older adults
Digital Accessible Remote Olfactory Mediated Health Assessments for Preclinical AD
This study is testing if a smell test can help identify brain health issues in older adults who have memory concerns or mild cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05881239 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the sense of smell in participants with subjective cognitive concerns, mild cognitive impairment, and mild behavioral impairment, as well as age-matched controls. Participants will complete the AROMHA Brain Health Smell Test, which involves sniffing odor samples and answering related questions via a web-based app. The study seeks to determine if olfactory testing can serve as a predictive biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders, potentially leading to a noninvasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool. Results from the tests will not be disclosed to participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 100 with subjective cognitive concerns or mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive dysfunction or current respiratory issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a reliable method for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While olfactory testing has been explored in other contexts, this specific approach to assessing brain health is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A clinical or research consensus diagnosis of the patient's condition or control status. * Individuals that are at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment. * Individuals that are no older than 100 years of age at the time of enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Primary pulmonary disease such as severe emphysema or asthma not under good medical control. * Current sinusitis, common cold, upper respiratory infection, or nasal polyps. * Current or recent (past 6 months) alcohol or substance dependence. A prior history of alcohol or substance abuse will not be grounds for exclusion. * Pregnancy. * Severe cognitive dysfunction that would preclude completion of the olfactory testing. * An adverse reaction to fragrances (ie. they trigger a severe asthmatic attack or nausea).
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mark W Albers, MD PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mark W Albers, MD PhD
- Email: albers.mark@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-724-7401
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.