Understanding Balance Problems in Aging and Lewy Body Dementia
The Proactive and Reactive Neuromechanics of Instability in Aging and Dementia with Lewy Bodies
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10928127
This project aims to understand why older adults, especially those with Lewy Body Dementia, have trouble with balance and are at high risk for falls.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10928127 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are looking at how the brain and body work together to control balance, both when preparing for a challenge and when reacting to unexpected instability. For older adults, we believe that reacting quickly to balance challenges becomes harder with age. For people with Lewy Body Dementia, we think that both preparing for and reacting to balance challenges are affected, increasing their risk of falling. We will enroll young adults, older adults, and older adults with Lewy Body Dementia to study these differences using advanced motion capture, muscle activity measurements, and ultrasound imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include young adults, older adults, and older adults specifically diagnosed with clinically probable Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience balance issues or are not in the specified age groups may not directly benefit from participating in this particular study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to prevent falls and improve safety for older adults and those living with Lewy Body Dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the general understanding of balance and falls is established, this specific approach to understanding proactive and reactive balance in DLB using advanced imaging and motion capture is novel.
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease