The effects of alcohol on muscle health in older adults
Official title: Alcohol and dysfunctional skeletal muscle mass: implications in aging
Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-10932364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol might affect muscle strength and function in older adults over 60, helping us understand how it can lead to weakness and less physical ability, so we can find ways to reduce these risks for healthier aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $219,612 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 60 and older, with or without a history of alcohol use, and without significant underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 60 or those with severe comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alcohol consumption affects skeletal muscle strength and function in older adults, particularly those over 60 years of age. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind alcohol-related myopathy, which can lead to frailty and decreased physical performance. By comparing individuals who consume alcohol with those who do not, the study seeks to uncover the impact of alcohol on mitochondrial function and overall muscle health. The findings could help identify strategies to mitigate the risks associated with alcohol use in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining muscle health and reducing frailty in older adults who consume alcohol.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that alcohol can negatively impact muscle health, but this specific focus on aging and mitochondrial function is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, Liz — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Simon, Liz
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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.