Understanding how attention affects movement and falls in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Project II: Circuit Mechanisms of Attentional-Motor Interface Dysfunction in PD Falls
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10931695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why people with Parkinson's disease sometimes fall, focusing on how their attention and movement work together, and it aims to find new treatments that could help reduce falls for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $432,967 |
| NIH project number | 5P50NS123067-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience frequent falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not experience falls or have other unrelated mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind falls in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), focusing on how attention and motor control interact. Using a rodent model, the study examines the role of specific brain signaling pathways that may contribute to impaired gait and balance. Researchers will explore how treatments targeting these pathways can reduce fall rates, providing insights that could lead to new therapies for PD patients. The approach includes behavioral assessments and pharmacological interventions to understand the underlying causes of falls in PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of falls in Parkinson's disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the relationship between attention and motor control in Parkinson's disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berridge, Kent C. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Berridge, Kent C.
Related research
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Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
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Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
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-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
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Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
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In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
A home-based program using stroboscopic eyewear to help older adults improve balance and reduce their risk of falls.
-
Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults
This study looks at how nocturnal low oxygen during sleep relates to falls and bone fractures in men and women aged 50 and older.
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.