How aging affects speech motor learning in the brain
Official title: Aging-related Changes in the Neural Mechanisms Underlying Speech Motor Learning
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10972763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the brain's ability to learn and control speech, especially for people with conditions like Parkinson's disease, to help us understand how different parts of the brain work together for speaking as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | September 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,474 |
| NIH project number | 1F99AG088438-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10972763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older, particularly those with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing speech motor impairments or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the brain's ability to learn and control speech movements, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. By comparing different groups, including those with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, the study aims to understand the neural mechanisms involved in two types of speech motor learning: auditory-motor adaptation and syllable sequence learning. The research utilizes advanced imaging techniques to explore the brain's networks responsible for these processes, providing insights into how aging alters speech motor control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech therapy techniques for older adults and those with Parkinson's disease, enhancing their communication abilities.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on speech motor learning, this study's specific focus on aging and its effects on distinct neural mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hantao — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hantao
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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.