RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Single-centre Descriptive Study of Taste in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Through the Analysis of Taste Evoked Potentials

This study, called FRONTAL-PEG, explores how people with a type of dementia called frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) experience taste. FTLD is a brain disease that can affect memory, behavior, and movement. People with FTLD often have problems with their sense of smell and may eat excessively, particularly sugary foods, leading to weight gain. We believe changes in how the brain processes taste might be behind these eating habits. Using special tests called 'taste evoked potentials', which measure brain activity in response to taste, we aim to understand how the brain reacts to sweet solutions. This study is the first to look at how the brain processes taste in FTLD in such detail.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

18 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD)

What is this study about?

This research, called FRONTAL-PEG, is designed to understand taste perception in people living with a condition called frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is a brain disease that causes nerve cells to gradually die off, and it's the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. We often see that people with FTLD have problems with their sense of smell and can develop different eating habits. This might include eating more than usual, craving lots of food — especially sweet things — and snacking a lot, which can lead to putting on weight. At the moment, we don't fully understand why these eating changes happen.

Our main idea is that the way the brain understands and experiences taste might be different in people with FTLD, and this could be a big reason for their unusual eating patterns, particularly their strong preference for sugary foods. To explore this, we'll be using a special, harmless test called 'taste evoked potentials' (TEPs). This test measures how the brain reacts to a sweet taste, like sugar. TEPs are a good way to see brain activity in response to taste and don't involve any needles or discomfort.

This study is important because it's the first time we'll be looking so closely at how the brain processes taste in FTLD. By understanding this better, we hope to gain new insights into why people with this condition have certain eating problems. The study is a single event, meaning you would participate for just one morning, and all tests, except for a blood test, will take place at the CSGA centre in Dijon, France, which is next to the hospital.

Key takeaways

This study explores taste perception in frontotemporal dementia (FTLD).
It investigates if altered taste processing contributes to eating changes in FTLD.
Non-invasive 'taste evoked potentials' (TEPs) will measure brain response to taste.
Participation involves a single morning of assessments, including taste tests.
The study aims to understand brain processing of taste characteristics in this condition.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, you need to be an adult who understands the study and agrees to take part. You must be covered by a national health scheme. Your medical records should show you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30 kg/m² and have either definite or likely frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). You'll also need to have stopped eating for at least two hours before a specific measurement called PEG.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. These include being under legal protection (like guardianship), being pregnant, breastfeeding, or in labour. You also can't take part if you've had COVID-19 in the last six months, smoke more than four cigarettes a day, or have a pacemaker. If you have diabetes or are taking medicines that affect your taste, you won't be able to participate. Your scores on certain thinking tests (MMSE below 15 or MoCA below 10) would also mean you can't join the study.

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 diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)?
Are you able to fast (not eat) for at least two hours before a morning appointment?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or in labour?
Do you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) less than 30 kg/m²?
Do you not have diabetes, a pacemaker, or smoke more than 4 cigarettes a day?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement will last for just one morning. You will visit the CSGA centre, which is next to Dijon University Hospital in France. You'll have a blood test at the hospital, and then at the CSGA, you'll undergo several assessments. These include questions about your health, tests to check your thinking and memory (cognitive assessment), a look at your diet (nutritional assessment), and various taste tests, including a specific test to see how well you detect sweet tastes using a sucrose solution. A key part of the study involves 'taste evoked potentials' (TEPs), which are non-invasive measurements of your brain's response to taste. No follow-up appointments are planned after your participation.

Potential risks and benefits

This study aims to expand our scientific understanding of how taste is processed in people with frontotemporal dementia, which may eventually lead to better care for those with the condition. As a participant, you'll benefit from detailed assessments of your taste perception and cognitive function. The procedures are designed to be safe, with non-invasive taste tests and brain activity measurements. There's a small risk of discomfort from a blood test. You 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 is frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)?

FTLD is a brain disease where nerve cells gradually die, affecting memory, behaviour, and movement. It's a common type of dementia.

What are 'taste evoked potentials' (TEPs)?

TEPs are a safe and painless way to measure your brain's electrical activity in response to different tastes, helping us see how your brain processes flavour.

How long will I need to be at the study center?

Your participation in the study will only take one morning to complete all the tests and assessments.

Do I need to do anything special before the study?

Yes, you'll need to avoid eating for at least two hours before one of the measurements.

Will I have any follow-up appointments?

No, there are no planned follow-up appointments after your participation in the study.

How to find out more

Agnès JACQUIN-PIQUES

agnes.jacquin-piques@chu-dijon.fr 03 80 29 59 02 Official trial record

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