How aging and cognitive impairment affect balance control in older adults
Official title: The effect of aging and cognitive impairment on prefrontal cortical inputs to motor cortical outputs during standing balance control
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10997445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older and having some memory issues can affect balance in older adults, and it aims to find new ways to help them stay steady on their feet and avoid falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG081129-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who may experience cognitive decline or balance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or those without any balance or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and cognitive decline impact the brain's ability to control balance in older adults. It focuses on the interactions between cognitive regions of the brain and motor pathways that are crucial for maintaining stability while standing. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to identify new strategies to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment. The study employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to analyze brain activity during balance tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that enhance balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive-motor interactions in balance control, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Catherine Francoise — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mason, Catherine Francoise
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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.