How aging affects the brain's control of airway muscles during sleep
Official title: The impact of aging on the functional and anatomical coupling between brainstem noradrenergic neurons and upper airway muscles
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11118291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the brain's ability to control the muscles that keep your airway open while you sleep, especially for people with obstructive sleep apnea, to help understand why older adults might have more trouble with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $156,008 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG065233-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or those at risk for developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the connection between brainstem noradrenergic neurons and the muscles that keep the airway open during sleep. It focuses on understanding the role of these neurons in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes repeated airway collapse during sleep, leading to serious health issues. By using advanced molecular-genetic techniques, the study aims to observe the activity of specific neurons and their influence on upper airway muscles in both sleeping and waking states. This could provide insights into why older adults are more susceptible to OSA and its related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in older adults, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurological control of airway muscles can lead to significant advancements in treating sleep apnea, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rukhadze, Irma — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Rukhadze, Irma
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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.