Improving breathing and muscle function in older adults with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Ameliorating Respiratory Neuromotor Dysfunctions in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11141565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and having Alzheimer's can impact your muscles and breathing, especially how weak muscles might lead to more infections, and it hopes to find ways to help improve breathing and health for older adults.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,879 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086136-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or experiencing respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without Alzheimer's disease or significant respiratory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect the neuromotor system, particularly focusing on muscle weakness and respiratory issues. It aims to understand the relationship between muscle atrophy, specifically in the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles, and the increased risk of infections in older adults. By examining the underlying mechanisms of muscle denervation and dysfunction, the study seeks to develop interventions that could enhance respiratory function and overall health in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved respiratory health and reduced infection rates in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuromotor dysfunctions in aging, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fogarty, Matthew — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Fogarty, Matthew
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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.