Understanding how aging affects swallowing function in ALS and older adults
The Role of Homeostenosis in Bulbar Function in ALS and Aging
This study is looking at how aging and conditions like ALS affect our body's ability to stay balanced, especially when it comes to swallowing, and it aims to find ways to help older adults and people with ALS eat and drink safely to stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the body's ability to maintain stability, known as homeostasis, is affected by aging and diseases like ALS, particularly focusing on swallowing function. It aims to understand how the depletion of functional reserves in one system can lead to difficulties in swallowing, known as dysphagia, which can result in malnutrition and dehydration. By exploring the mechanisms behind these changes, the research seeks to identify ways to improve nutritional health in elderly individuals and those with ALS. The approach includes evaluating the impact of functional reserves on swallowing safety and efficiency.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals and patients diagnosed with ALS who experience swallowing difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients without swallowing impairments or those not affected by aging or ALS may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing malnutrition and dehydration in elderly patients and those with ALS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between functional reserves and health outcomes in aging populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loy, Raele Donetha — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Loy, Raele Donetha
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.