Mouth and Teeth

This study will evaluate how changes in saliva composition can affect swallowing in Sjogren’s disease and healthy individuals. Sjogren’s disease leads to changes in saliva, including the amount produced and the components in saliva (e.g. proteins). These changes can contribute to dry mouth and problems with swallowing. This research will provide information for clinicians working with swallowing disorders, to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

The purpose of this study is to collect biospecimens (fecal, urine, blood) and clinical data to serve as a resource for future research on Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The careful collection, storage and retrieval of biospecimens and medical information for research projects are critical for improving understanding of healthy development and disease mechanisms and the subsequent development of effective treatments. Biospecimens from this biobank will be made available for ethically-approved studies.