Understanding how older adults with mild cognitive impairment manage balance to prevent falls
Official title: Neuromechanisms of falls in older adults with MCI: Targeting assessment and training of reactive balance control
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10906086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how older adults with mild cognitive impairment manage their balance when faced with unexpected challenges, to help find ways to improve their stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $572,807 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073152-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 70 and above who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are cognitively intact or those with severe cognitive impairments beyond MCI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the balance control mechanisms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to better understand their increased risk of falls. It focuses on how these individuals respond to unexpected disturbances while standing or walking, which is crucial for maintaining stability. The study aims to assess their ability to adapt to balance training and improve their protective responses through targeted interventions. By examining the interplay between cognitive and motor functions, the research seeks to develop effective strategies to enhance balance and reduce fall risk in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fall prevention strategies for older adults with MCI, enhancing their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted balance training can improve stability in older adults, suggesting potential success for similar approaches in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhatt, Tanvi — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bhatt, Tanvi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Falls in older adults with MCI: smarter balance training and quick reactions
A study in older adults with mild cognitive impairment will test how to improve their balance and protective steps during unexpected shifts or trips.
-
Understanding how older adults control their head and neck during falls
This study is looking at how older adults can better control their head and neck when they fall, with the hope of finding ways to prevent injuries from falls.
-
Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
-
Phase 2b trial of dengue vaccines TAK-003 and Butantan-DV to boost lasting, broad antibody protection
A trial tests whether giving a second dengue vaccine (Butantan-DV) after an initial TAK-003 shot can create stronger, longer-lasting antibodies that work against all dengue types.
-
Aging and aspirin: a long-term look at cancer, heart health, and brain risks
A large study at a top hospital will follow older adults to understand how low-dose aspirin influences cancer, heart disease, and brain health over many years.
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.