Understanding how swallowing problems and mouth bacteria affect pneumonia in older adults
Official title: Deciphering the Impact of Oral Hypofunction, Dysphagia, and the Airway Microbiome on Pneumonia Pathogenesis in Older Adults
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11278178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at UW–Madison will look at how swallowing issues and the mouth’s bacteria contribute to pneumonia in people aged 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $646,358 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG097793-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11278178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) with pneumonia or at risk due to swallowing or oral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit younger individuals or those without pneumonia risk factors.
What this research studies
As a patient you could benefit from findings that clarify why pneumonia develops in older adults and how oral health and swallowing problems play a role. Researchers will examine patterns of oral function, swallowing safety, and the mouth’s microbial communities in older adults with pneumonia from different bacterial causes. The study will use careful clinical assessments and samples to connect oral health and pneumonia pathways. The goal is to improve diagnosis and guide targeted treatments and referrals for swallowing or oral rehabilitation when needed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to better diagnosis and personalized care to prevent pneumonia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests a link between oral health, swallowing problems, and pneumonia, but detailed profiles in older adults are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pulia, Michael Santino — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Pulia, Michael Santino
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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.