RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Single-center Prospective Longitudinal Study of Taste in Patients With Cognitive Disorders at Different Stages of Severity (Isolated Cognitive Complaint, Minor or Major Neurocognitive Alzheimer-type Disorders) by Analysis of Gustatory Evoked Potentials

This research, called MAPEG 2, explores changes in your sense of taste if you have memory problems, including early signs of Alzheimer's disease. It compares taste in healthy people with those experiencing minor memory issues or different stages of Alzheimer's. By testing taste using surveys, special brain wave measurements, and blood tests, scientists hope to discover if changes in taste can be an early warning sign for Alzheimer's. This could lead to diagnosing the condition sooner, improving how it's managed, and identifying people who might be at higher risk in the future. The study involves various tests like taste samples, questionnaires, and body measurements.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

12 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Cognitive Disorders

What is this study about?

The MAPEG 2 study is looking into how our sense of taste works and how it might change over time, especially in people who are experiencing memory and thinking problems. The researchers are particularly interested in understanding if changes in taste could be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. They will compare a number of things in healthy volunteers with those who have very mild memory concerns, minor memory problems, or who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The main idea is that if we can spot changes in taste early on, it could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease sooner. An earlier diagnosis means that people can start managing their condition sooner, which might help them live better for longer. It could also help identify people who might be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's in the future, allowing for closer monitoring and perhaps preventative strategies.

To do this, the study will involve different kinds of tests. Some are simple, like tasting various solutions or filling out questionnaires about your food preferences. Others are more advanced, like measuring brain waves related to taste and checking different elements in your blood related to your diet and body health. By looking at all these results together, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how taste and memory problems are connected.

Key takeaways

This study investigates the link between taste changes and memory problems, including Alzheimer's.
It aims for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's to improve patient care.
Participation involves taste tests, brain activity measurements, blood samples, and questionnaires.
The study compares healthy individuals with those at different stages of cognitive changes.
It could help identify individuals at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Your sense of taste might offer clues about your brain health.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and able to understand and agree to take part. Your body mass index (BMI) should also be less than 30 kg/m². The study is looking for people in different groups: those who are healthy, those who feel their memory isn't quite as good as it used to be but tests show they're fine, and those with more definite memory or thinking problems, including those diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory problems (a very low MMSE score), or if you've recently had COVID-19. You also can't participate if you have diabetes, are a regular smoker (more than 4 cigarettes a day), have certain ear, nose, or throat conditions, or are taking medication that affects your taste. If you have a pacemaker or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you also won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30?
Are you able to agree to take part yourself?
Do you not have diabetes or regularly smoke more than 4 cigarettes a day?
Have you not had COVID-19 within the last 6 months?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or do you not have a pacemaker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll have several appointments. You'll give blood samples, answer questions during an interview, and complete some questionnaires about your food preferences. You'll also undergo tests to check your memory and thinking skills, and your sense of taste will be tested by tasting different solutions. There will also be a special test where small pads (electrodes) are placed on your scalp to measure your brain's response to taste, which requires you to fast for at least two hours beforehand. Your body composition (like how much fat and muscle you have) will also be measured. The study will follow you over time to see how these things might change.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us understand Alzheimer's disease better, which might benefit future patients. There might not be any direct benefit to you personally. The risks involved are generally low and common for research studies, such as slight discomfort from blood draws. You will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Dijon Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of taste tests will I do?

You'll taste different liquid solutions and answer questions about your food preferences through questionnaires.

What are 'gustatory evoked potentials'?

These are measurements of your brain's response to taste, taken using small pads (electrodes) placed on your head.

Will I need to change my diet?

You'll need to fast (not eat or drink, except water) for at least two hours before the brain wave taste measurement test.

Can I still participate if I have other health conditions?

Some conditions, like diabetes, active smoking, or certain ear/nose/throat problems, might prevent you from joining.

What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?

You are free to leave the study at any point, and this won't affect any medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Agnès JACQUIN-PIQUES

agnes.jacquin-piques@chu-dijon.fr 03.80.29.37.54 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.