Hand and arm muscle function linked to thinking and memory in older adults
Examining Additional Attributes of Muscle Function for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
['FUNDING_R15'] · NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11104161
This project looks for whether detailed hand and arm muscle measures (like how quickly you squeeze, side-to-side differences, and steadiness) can signal early thinking and memory problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R15'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11104161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would have your handgrip tested with an electronic dynamometer and wear small motion sensors so researchers can measure not just maximal strength but also how fast you generate force, differences between hands, coordination, fatigue, and steadiness. The team will combine these muscle measures with brief thinking and memory tests to see which muscle features relate to cognitive problems. The tests are noninvasive, quick, and done during in-person clinic or research visits. The aim is to identify simple muscle-based warning signs that could guide personalized referrals or physical treatments to help preserve thinking abilities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults, including those with normal cognition, mild memory or thinking complaints, or early-stage Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment, who can perform handgrip testing.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, severe hand or arm injuries, or inability to follow simple instructions may not be able to complete the tests and are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help spot early signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementias sooner and guide personalized physical therapies to protect thinking and memory.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked low maximal handgrip strength to higher dementia risk, but using electronic dynamometry and accelerometers to capture multiple muscle function attributes is largely new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
FARGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY — FARGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCGRATH, RYAN — NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MCGRATH, RYAN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia