NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving swallowing function in patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias

Official title: Impact of Novel Rehabilitative Approaches FOR Dysphagia in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10694887 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for new ways to help people with Alzheimer's and related dementias who have trouble swallowing, by training a speech therapist to create better treatments that can make eating and drinking safer and easier for them.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$231,947
NIH project number5K76AG068590-04
Project IDNIH-10694887 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias who are experiencing swallowing difficulties.

Less likely to help

Patients without Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, or those who do not have dysphagia, may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new rehabilitative interventions to help patients with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias who experience dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties. The project aims to train a speech-language pathologist to create effective treatments that can improve swallowing function and reduce health risks associated with dysphagia. Current methods often fail to provide lasting benefits, so the research will explore innovative approaches like progressive-resistance lingual strengthening and saliva substitutes. By addressing the underlying issues of swallowing dysfunction, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for these patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that improve swallowing function and overall health outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise for similar rehabilitative approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rogus-Pulia, Nicole M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Study coordinator: Rogus-Pulia, Nicole M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.