Creating a voice analysis tool to help detect swallowing problems in older adults
Developing an App-Based Voice Clinical Decision Support Tool to Augment the Sensitivity of the Bedside Swallow Evaluation in Older Adults
This study is creating an easy-to-use app that listens to how older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, talk and cough to help doctors check for swallowing problems more accurately and keep them safe from issues like pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10840374 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a user-friendly app that analyzes voice, cough, and speech patterns to identify swallowing dysfunction in older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By utilizing advanced acoustic analysis, the tool will provide clinicians with real-time support during bedside evaluations. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of swallowing assessments, which is crucial for preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia in this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, especially those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients under 65 years of age or those without swallowing dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of swallowing issues, improving the quality of care for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using voice analysis for clinical decision support is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of healthcare, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rameau, Anais — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Rameau, Anais
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.