RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Nalysis of the Periodontal Microbiota in Elderly Subjects With and Without Alzheimer's Disease: a Case Control Study

This research project investigates the connection between the germs in our mouths and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The main idea is that our mouths might show early signs of how conditions like Alzheimer's develop or change. Because it's easy and painless to collect samples from the mouth, scientists want to find specific germs that might be connected to Alzheimer's. By understanding these mouth germs better, they hope to improve how Alzheimer's is understood, prevented, or even managed. Ultimately, this study aims to identify which groups of mouth germs are significantly linked to Alzheimer's disease.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2025

Periodontitis Alzheimer Disease

What is this study about?

Our bodies are home to many tiny germs, including those in our mouths. This study is exploring a very important question: could the specific types of germs found in an older person's mouth tell us something about their risk or experience with Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's is a tough condition that affects many older people, and we're always looking for new ways to understand, prevent, and treat it.

The researchers believe that our mouths could be a 'window' into what's happening in our overall health, especially as we age. Because it's simple and doesn't hurt to take samples from the mouth, it's a good place to look for early signs or clues. This study will carefully examine the germs in the mouths of two groups of older people: those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who do not.

By comparing these groups, the scientists hope to identify any particular germs or groups of germs that are more common in people with Alzheimer's. Finding such a link could potentially lead to new ways to spot Alzheimer's earlier, or even help researchers understand how to slow down its progress. The overall goal is to improve the lives of people affected by this condition.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if mouth germs are linked to Alzheimer's disease.
It involves comparing older people with and without Alzheimer's.
Participation requires providing samples of dental plaque and blood.
The goal is to find new ways to understand, detect, or manage Alzheimer's.
You must be 70 or older to take part.
Certain health conditions or recent medications might affect eligibility.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be 70 years old or older. You, or a close family member or carer who helps you make decisions, would need to understand what the study involves and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

For those taking part who have Alzheimer's, you would need to have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. If you have other serious health conditions like certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, severe blood disorders, or certain heart, kidney, or lung problems, you would likely not be able to join. This is because these other health issues could affect the results of the study.

Also, if you've had recent dental surgery, certain medical treatments (like chemotherapy in the last six months, or antibiotics/anti-inflammatory medications in the last four weeks), or are taking specific medications like blood thinners or some epilepsy drugs, you might not be eligible. The researchers want to make sure that the findings about mouth germs are clearly linked to Alzheimer's and not other health factors or medications.

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 70 years of age or older?
Do you (or your trusted person) understand and agree to the study details?
If you have Alzheimer's, has it been formally diagnosed?
Are you free from other serious neurological conditions (besides Alzheimer's)?
Have you avoided chemotherapy in the last 6 months and antibiotics/anti-inflammatories in the last 4 weeks?
Are you generally in good health, without severe long-term conditions affecting your organ systems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you would do is provide some samples. This would involve a healthcare professional gently collecting a sample of the plaque from your teeth – this is a simple and quick process. You would also have a small blood sample taken, similar to a routine blood test. These samples would be collected during one visit while you are receiving treatment. The study is focused on gathering these samples to look at the bacteria present; there are no new medications to take or specific treatments given as part of this research. The total duration of your direct involvement would likely be limited to this one visit for sample collection.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might offer a potential benefit by helping scientists better understand Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to improved diagnosis or prevention for future generations. The main risks involved are minor discomfort from the dental plaque collection and the blood sample, similar to those you might experience during a routine check-up. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nice
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'periodontitis' and why is it mentioned?

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It's mentioned because the study is looking at the overall health of the mouth and how germs there might relate to Alzheimer's.

What does a 'case-control study' mean?

It means the researchers are comparing two groups: 'cases' (people with Alzheimer's) and 'controls' (people without Alzheimer's) to see if there are differences between them, like in their mouth germs.

Will taking part help my Alzheimer's or prevent it?

This study is for research purposes to understand Alzheimer's better. It's not designed to directly treat or prevent your Alzheimer's disease, but the information learned could help others in the future.

What kind of information will they collect about my 'toxic habits'?

They will ask about habits like smoking or drinking alcohol, as these can affect your health and mouth germs, and the researchers need to consider them for accurate results.

What happens to my samples after they are collected?

Your samples of dental plaque and blood will be analysed in a lab to identify the different types of germs present and to look for any links with Alzheimer's disease.

How to find out more

Leslie Borsa

causeret.m@chu-nice.fr 0492034702 Official trial record

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