Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
Official title: Neurobiological Substrates of Falls in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11464849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers at Mayo Clinic will study why people over 65 fall, by looking at how brain and body systems work together during walking and thinking tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $729,906 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG097812-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) who are cognitively unimpaired and capable of participating in dual-task gait assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with established dementia or significant mobility impairment may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project follows cognitively unimpaired adults 65+ to understand how brain and body function relate to gait and balance issues that lead to falls. It uses dual-task tests that combine walking with cognitive challenges to reveal subtle brain–behavior changes. The study will connect these gait patterns to biomarkers in blood and brain imaging that reflect Alzheimer’s pathology and vascular disease. By identifying early signs of subclinical gait impairment and linking them to specific brain changes, it aims to map pathways from normal aging to fall risk. The findings could guide earlier interventions to prevent falls and related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier detection of fall risk and inform targeted strategies to prevent falls in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that dual-task gait testing can reveal early brain–behavior changes related to aging and pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ali, Farwa — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ali, Farwa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
-
Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
-
In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
A home-based program using stroboscopic eyewear to help older adults improve balance and reduce their risk of falls.
-
Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults
This study looks at how nocturnal low oxygen during sleep relates to falls and bone fractures in men and women aged 50 and older.
-
Fall risk clues after stroke to help prevent future falls
Researchers are testing a quick fall-risk tool for people recently discharged after stroke to better predict and prevent falls.
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.