Understanding balance issues in older adults with dementia
The Proactive and Reactive Neuromechanics of Instability in Aging and Dementia with Lewy Bodies
This study is looking at how aging and Dementia with Lewy Bodies affect balance and the chances of falling in older adults, so we can better understand how to help keep them steady on their feet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10749539 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) affect balance and the risk of falls in older adults. It aims to develop a better understanding of the neuromechanics involved in standing and walking balance control. By studying the differences in proactive and reactive balance responses among young adults, older adults with DLB, and age-matched peers, the research seeks to identify the mechanisms that lead to increased fall risk. The study will utilize advanced techniques such as motion capture and electromyography to gather data on balance performance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and age-matched older adults without dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not elderly or do not have cognitive impairments related to dementia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing falls in older adults with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding balance mechanisms can lead to effective fall prevention strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eichenlaub, Emily Kathryn — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Eichenlaub, Emily Kathryn
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.