New imaging technique to evaluate swallowing and brain function in patients with dysphagia
Official title: SimulScan: Simultaneous functional and dynamic MRI for evaluating swallowing across age and in neurogenic dysphagia
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11078727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with swallowing difficulties, especially those with conditions like stroke or Parkinson's, by using a new imaging technique that shows how swallowing works in the body and how the brain is involved, so doctors can better diagnose and treat dysphagia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $583,501 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078513-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old, particularly those with neurological conditions that affect swallowing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without swallowing difficulties or those not affected by neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the understanding of dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult, particularly in individuals with neurological disorders like stroke and Parkinson's disease. By developing a novel imaging method that combines 3D visualization of swallowing mechanics with brain activity, the project aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Patients will undergo advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to capture both the physiological aspects of swallowing and the corresponding neural responses in real-time. This approach seeks to provide clinicians with better tools for identifying and managing dysphagia effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options for patients suffering from dysphagia.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of combining 3D imaging with brain function analysis is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other areas of medical research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutton, Bradley P — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Sutton, Bradley P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable biofeedback device to help swallowing after neurologic injury
This project helps people with swallowing problems from neurologic conditions use a small wearable sensor that shows neck muscle activity to guide exercises and improve swallowing.
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Reducing Burden for Care Partners of People with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This project tests a user-friendly Web tool to help care partners of people with dementia manage oropharyngeal dysphagia and reduce daily caregiving burden.
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InHANCE: Radiation-Related Swallowing Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer
A patient-focused program aims to understand and reduce swallowing problems caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors.
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Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants
A new non-invasive tool analyzes a premature baby’s bottle feeding behavior to detect swallowing difficulties early.
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Web program to help caregivers safely feed loved ones with dementia who have trouble swallowing
A web-based program to teach family caregivers how to manage swallowing problems and reduce the stress of feeding a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
-
Wearable biofeedback to improve swallowing after neurological diseases
A wearable biofeedback device helps adults with neurogenic dysphagia improve swallowing through guided exercises and remote coaching.
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.