Providence, RI – Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center (ADMDC) is actively recruiting participants for its ExosomeAD study. This innovative study will be the first to look at biological changes in saliva as a convenient, non-invasive, cost-effective means for identifying brain changes that are seen in Alzheimer’s disease, years before the appearance of memory loss or other symptoms.

 Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects the brain, but clues about the disease progression can be measured in body fluids like saliva and blood. Researchers are hoping to identify unique components in saliva and blood that will help identify early brain changes that will help in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Donated samples are crucial to this research.

 ADMDC is seeking qualified participants who are age 65 years or older. Healthy people both with, and without, memory and thinking challenges are eligible to enroll. Participants will meet with research staff at Rhode Island Hospital one time per year for up to five years. During each annual visit, participants will be given cognitive tests and be asked to donate saliva and blood samples.

 The Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital is proud to be a partner on this novel research project”, said Lori Daiello, PharmD, ScM, senior research scientist and site principal investigator at the ADMDC.  “We’re hopeful a saliva biomarker test could be an important diagnostic tool for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease – an option that would not require costly or specialized procedures.”

 “People are always asking me how they can get involved in Alzheimer’s research if they don’t have any symptoms of the disease. ExosomeAD is an opportunity for individuals over the age of 65 to contribute to the research that will allow us to better understand this disease”, said Terry Fogerty, ADMDC Community Outreach Coordinator. “This study is straightforward and simple; it does not have any requirements that make it cumbersome for individuals to participate.”

 To learn more about the ExosomeAD study, or if you are interested in enrolling, contact the Rhode Island Hospital ADMDC at (401) 444-0085.