Testing the sense of smell to assess brain health in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.