Swallowing changes and causes of swallowing problems in Alzheimer's disease

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

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.

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  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.

  NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-11079467

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  NIH research Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · Manhasset, United States · NIH-11054066

• 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.

  NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-10841340

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

  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.

  NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-10694887

• 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.

  NIH research Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res · Orangeburg, United States · NIH-11627965

• 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.

  NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11627145

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.