Swallowing changes and causes of swallowing problems in Alzheimer's disease
Swallowing Trajectories and DysPHagia Predictors in AlzheimER’s DisEase (SPHERE)
Following people with Alzheimer's over time to understand how their swallowing changes and what factors lead to swallowing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321295 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would join a group of people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are followed over several years to track swallowing function as the disease progresses. Researchers will use detailed, multi‑modal swallowing tests, clinical exams, and caregiver reports to look for early or subtle changes in how people swallow. Participants will be grouped by disease stage so doctors can compare patterns from early to later stages. The team hopes to identify factors that predict swallowing decline and point to times when treatments could help prevent weight loss, pneumonia, and reduced quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, including those in early stages who can travel to clinic visits and complete swallowing tests, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or related dementias, or those who are too medically unstable or too severely impaired to complete the swallowing evaluations, are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors spot swallowing problems earlier and guide therapies that reduce choking, malnutrition, and pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Small cross-sectional studies have shown early swallowing changes in Alzheimer's and rehabilitative treatments helped other neurodegenerative conditions, but this comprehensive longitudinal approach in AD/ADRD is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- 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
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 below.