Using saliva and extracellular vesicles to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases

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 project aims to validate a novel and cost-effective method using Raman spectroscopy to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. By analyzing saliva and salivary extracellular vesicles, the study seeks to identify biochemical markers that can indicate the presence and progression of these diseases. The approach is non-invasive and focuses on profiling patients over time to enhance early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. The study will involve collecting saliva samples from participants with various neurodegenerative conditions to assess changes in their biochemical profiles.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* AD: standard criteria for dementia due to AD with AD neurochemical demonstration.
* PD: MDS Criteria; modified Hoehn\&Yahr stages; stable pharmacological treatment (last 4 weeks).
* AtP: current consensus diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy; corticobasal degeneration and multiple system atrophy.
* prodromic PD: according to diagnostic criteria by Berg;
* MCI: according to diagnostic criteria by Dubois and Albert.

Exclusion Criteria:

* For all the experimental groups considered, subjects with concomitant chronic and / or inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, other systemic diseases, oncological or infectious diseases will be excluded.
* Patients not able to provide written informed consent autonomously will be excluded.
* For PD patients: Vascular, familiar and drug- induced parkinsonism, other known or suspected causes (metabolic, brain tumor etc) or any suggestive features of AtP; dementia with MoCA Test Correct Score\<15

Where it's running

• IRCCS Don Gnocchi, Fondazione Don Gnocchi
  Florence, Fi, Italy Recruiting
• Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Firenze
  Florence, Italy Recruiting
• IRCCS S. Maria Nascente, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS
  Milan, Italy Recruiting
• IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"
  Milan, Italy Recruiting
• Centro S. Maria ai Servi, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
  Parma, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alice Gualerzi, PhD — IRCCS Fondazione Don Gnocchi
• Study coordinator: Pietro Arcuri, MD
• Email: parcuri@dongnocchi.it
• Phone: +390240308833

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns

  This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.

  Recruiting University of Cambridge · Cambridge, CB2 · NCT07786116

• Hyperspectral retinal imaging to detect Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative changes

  This project will test whether a special retinal camera that scans many wavelengths of light can detect signs of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in people with dementia or at risk.

  Recruiting Center for Eye Research Australia · Melbourne, Victoria · NCT07545473

• Collecting data on neurodegenerative diseases progression markers

  This study is trying to find new signs that can help doctors understand how neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's progress, so they can improve early treatment options for patients.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele Roma · Cassino, Frosinone · NCT06596746

• OCT in Neurological Practice: Use of Retinal Layers to Help Diagnose and Follow Neurological Diseases

  This study tests whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina can help in diagnosing and tracking multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, migraines, and other headaches compared with healthy people.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele · Milan, Milano · NCT07720765

• Acute intermittent hypercapnia-based interventions for upper airway and axial control in Parkinsonism

  This randomized pilot study tests whether a single session of acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia or hypercapnic normoxia can improve upper airway and axial motor function in adults with Parkinsonism.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Florida · Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations · NCT07674264

• Increasing daily physical activity to slow cognitive decline in alpha-synuclein disorders

  This study will test whether using a motivational smartphone app to increase everyday physical activity can help slow cognitive decline in people aged 50–80 with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (an early sign of alpha‑synuclein disease).

  Recruiting University Hospital, Bonn · Bonn, North Rhine West-Falia · NCT07324330

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.