RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Influence of Olfacto-gustatory Sensoriality on the Nutritional Status of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

This study is investigating how taste and smell, which doctors call "olfacto-gustatory sensoriality," might affect the eating habits and nutrition of people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a condition that causes muscles to weaken over time. Many people with ALS find it hard to eat enough due to various reasons, like difficulty chewing or swallowing, or changes in their body's energy use. This research explores if changes in taste and smell also play a role in their nutrition. The study hypothesises that if taste and smell are not working as well, it could make it harder for people with ALS to enjoy food and get the nutrients they need. Ultimately, it hopes to find new ways to help people with ALS maintain good nutrition, which is important for their health and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

12 May 2026

Estimated completion

12 May 2029

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a condition called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. ALS causes muscles to gradually weaken because the nerves that control them stop working properly. This can lead to difficulties with movement, and sometimes, breathing. We know that many people with ALS struggle to get enough food and can lose weight. This can happen for several reasons, such as finding it hard to chew or swallow, or simply using up more energy due to the disease. Breathing difficulties, if they affect the diaphragm (a key breathing muscle), can also make it harder to eat well and can increase the body's energy needs.

However, this study is focusing on something a bit different: your senses of taste and smell. Think about how much you enjoy a meal when it smells and tastes good. If these senses aren't working as well, it might affect your appetite and how much you want to eat, even if you know you need to. The researchers believe that changes in how people with ALS experience taste and smell might be contributing to their difficulties in eating enough and maintaining a healthy weight.

While ALS mainly affects muscles, there's a possibility it might also affect these senses. Understanding this connection is important because if taste and smell are indeed a factor, it could open new doors for supporting people with ALS. Instead of just focusing on making food easier to eat, we might also be able to help by making food more appealing, perhaps by intensifying flavours or smells. This could make a real difference to people's nutrition, their overall well-being, and how they live with ALS.

Key takeaways

The study explores how taste and smell affect nutrition in people with ALS.
It aims to understand why people with ALS might struggle to eat enough.
The research could lead to new ways to support nutrition in ALS.
It involves 'test taking' rather than new treatments.
Participation is open to adults with ALS who speak French.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has been diagnosed with ALS, either definitely or very probably, and you must be able to speak French.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you currently have an infection and are taking antibiotics, or if you have certain mental health or memory difficulties that would make it hard to assess your food preferences. You also can't take part if you have a known food allergy, drink a lot of alcohol (10 or more drinks a week), or have only recently quit smoking (less than a month ago).

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you have severe swallowing problems from the start of your illness, need a breathing machine from the beginning because of severe breathing muscle weakness, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under legal protection (like guardianship).

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of definite or probable ALS?
Are you able to speak French fluently?
Do you have any current infections requiring antibiotics?
Do you have any severe mental health or memory problems that would make it hard to talk about food?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is described as involving "test taking." This likely means you would be asked to complete various assessments or questionnaires specifically about your taste and smell senses, and potentially about your eating habits and overall health. The study information doesn't specify how many visits are needed, how long each visit might be, or the total duration of your involvement. It also doesn't mention any specific medications you would need to take as part of the study. You would likely be followed up by the research team to monitor your progress and gather the necessary information.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gained could help improve care for people with ALS in the future by understanding more about their nutrition. As the study consists of "test taking," the risks are likely very low, perhaps just involving your time and effort. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Dijon Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ALS?

ALS is a condition that causes muscles to weaken over time because the nerves that control them stop working properly.

Why are taste and smell important in this study?

Researchers believe that changes in how people with ALS experience taste and smell might affect their appetite and how much they eat, contributing to weight loss.

Will I have to take new medicine in this study?

The information provided suggests the study involves "test taking" rather than new medications.

What if I decide I don't want to be in the study anymore?

You are free to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Who can join this study?

Adults (18+) with a definite or probable ALS diagnosis who speak French are generally eligible, provided they meet other health criteria.

How to find out more

Marjolaine GEORGES

marjolaine.georges@chu-dijon.fr 0380293772 Official trial record

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