Scientists sniff out Alzheimer's clues in nasal tissue
NCT ID NCT07021040
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study collects a small sample of tissue from inside the nose to learn how the sense of smell changes in people with Alzheimer's. Researchers will compare samples from healthy volunteers and those with early or mild Alzheimer's. The goal is to understand the biology behind smell loss, which is an early symptom of the disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal how Alzheimer's affects the sense of smell, potentially leading to earlier diagnostic tools.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to any direct medical benefit or new therapies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 125 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Group 1: Alzheimer's study Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 80 * Pre-clinical AD (this cohort consists of subjects who have normal cognitive testing and function, but have positive AD biomarkers); * Symptomatic AD (a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia who are capable of understanding and signing the consent document) Exclusion Criteria: * Advanced Alzheimer's/dementia * Self-reported or known allergy to Afrin or Tetracain HCL (or related class of drugs) * Active Rhinosinusitis symptoms * Other known sinonasal disease history that would preclude biopsy (i.e prior sinus or skull base surgery directly impacting this anatomic region, sinonasal neoplasm in this anatomic region, olfactory cleft polyps) * Parkinson's disease * Unable or willing to complete the nasal endoscopy procedure. * Unable to read or speak English * Unable to provide legally effective consent Group 2: Act-seq study or Non-AD controls Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Patients being seen for rhinology or olfactory disorders * Patients having unrelated endoscopic nasal surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported or known allergy to Afrin or Tetracain HCL (or related class of drugs) * Unable or willing to complete the nasal endoscopy procedure * Unable to read or speak English * Unable to provide legally effective consent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Duke University Health Center
RECRUITINGDurham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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