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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $231,947 |
| NIH project number | 5K76AG068590-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
-
Swallowing changes and causes of swallowing problems in Alzheimer's disease
Following people with Alzheimer's over time to understand how their swallowing changes and what factors lead to swallowing problems.
-
Understanding swallowing difficulties in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at the swallowing problems that people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions often face, to understand what causes these issues and how they change over time, so we can find better ways to help manage them and prevent serious health problems.
-
Evaluating and predicting swallowing improvement in hospitalized Alzheimer's patients
This study is looking at how to help patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias who have trouble swallowing, by using a special computer program to predict which patients might get better before they leave the hospital, so that doctors can give them the best care and diet to improve their eating and overall well-b
-
Engaging underrepresented individuals with Alzheimer's disease in swallowing research
This study is looking for ways to help people with Alzheimer's and related dementias who have trouble swallowing by teaming up with community groups to make sure everyone gets a chance to participate, so we can find better treatments that improve their swallowing and overall well-being.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
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.