Overview
Body Locations and Systems
Disorders and Conditions
Status
Recruiting
Start/End Dates
Locations
Eye Care Centre
Name/Title
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Phone
Email Address
Purpose of Study
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding regulators controlling approximately 60 per cent of human genes, have strong early diagnostic potential due to their ability to modulate complex gene networks and stability in extracellular fluids. However, blood-based miRNA findings remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for alternative, scalable biofluids. This study aims to demonstrate the translational potential of tear-fluid miRNAs as non-invasive, clinically relevant early biomarkers for diagnosing sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.
Participants will have tear samples collected by a trained research team member. They will avoid eye medications or manipulation before the visit, complete a brief data sheet (one to two minutes) and undergo the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (10 to 15 minutes). Tears will be collected using Schirmer’s tear test strips placed under the lower eyelid for five minutes per eye. Samples will be analyzed for microRNAs and proteins to compare individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia, non-Alzheimer’s dementia and healthy controls.
Eligibility
This study is open to cognitively healthy controls aged 50 years and above who do not have severe dry eye or eye conditions requiring the use of eye drops. Individuals with eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration may not be eligible to participate in this study.
Disclaimer
Study Coordinators and Research Nurses cannot give medical advice over the phone. Telephone numbers and email addresses are provided for obtaining additional information on specific research studies only. If you have specific questions which require clinical expertise, please call your primary care physician.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding regulators controlling approximately 60 per cent of human genes, have strong early diagnostic potential due to their ability to modulate complex gene networks and stability in extracellular fluids. However, blood-based miRNA findings remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for alternative, scalable biofluids. This study aims to demonstrate the translational potential of tear-fluid miRNAs as non-invasive, clinically relevant early biomarkers for diagnosing sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.
Participants will have tear samples collected by a trained research team member. They will avoid eye medications or manipulation before the visit, complete a brief data sheet (one to two minutes) and undergo the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (10 to 15 minutes). Tears will be collected using Schirmer’s tear test strips placed under the lower eyelid for five minutes per eye. Samples will be analyzed for microRNAs and proteins to compare individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia, non-Alzheimer’s dementia and healthy controls.
This study is open to cognitively healthy controls aged 50 years and above who do not have severe dry eye or eye conditions requiring the use of eye drops. Individuals with eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration may not be eligible to participate in this study.
Study Coordinators and Research Nurses cannot give medical advice over the phone. Telephone numbers and email addresses are provided for obtaining additional information on specific research studies only. If you have specific questions which require clinical expertise, please call your primary care physician.
