The Healthy Optimal Australian Microbiome (HOAM) Project
The HOAM Study is a national research project led by the UNSW Microbiome Research Centre. We are investigating how the community of bacteria in the gut (the gut microbiome) is linked to dementia and obesity. By studying stool, blood, urine, and oral samples from participants, we hope to find new ways to improve health and develop better treatments in the future.
This study has been approved by University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/ETH13001).
Participation
Who can join:
Adults aged 65 years or older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, or adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
What’s involved:
Provide four types of samples: stool, blood, urine, and an oral swab.
Complete short questionnaires about health and lifestyle.
All sample collection is simple and can be done at home or pathology, or with assistance from our research team.
Other information:
Participants will receive a $50 supermarket voucher as a thank-you.
All information is kept confidential, and the study is ethics-approved.
To find out more, contact the team using the details, below or visit the study website www.microbiome.org.au/HOAM
Participant duration
5 years
Available to people living in
NSW
Study begins
Friday, 15 August 2025
Study ends
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Contact
To find out more about this study, contact:
Dr Michelle Fitzmaurice
Research and Education Centre
4-10 South St Research and Education Centre Kogarah, 2217 , NSW
