Understanding Swallowing Difficulties in Parkinson's Disease

Impact of nigral and extranigral neurodegeneration on aerodigestive discoordination in a pesticide model of Parkinson's disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · ROWAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL/OSTEOPATHIC MED · NIH-11176002

This project explores how different types of brain damage in Parkinson's disease affect swallowing and breathing coordination, hoping to find better ways to help patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROWAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL/OSTEOPATHIC MED (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STRATFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11176002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people with Parkinson's disease experience swallowing problems that current treatments for movement issues don't help. This suggests that damage outside the usual brain areas affected by Parkinson's might be involved. Our work uses animal models to look closely at how different parts of the brain contribute to feeding difficulties. We aim to pinpoint which specific swallowing problems are resistant to treatment and link them to particular areas of brain damage. This will help us understand why these issues occur and how we might develop more effective therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational animal model work is relevant for patients experiencing swallowing difficulties and aerodigestive discoordination due to Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients whose swallowing problems are not related to Parkinson's disease or similar neurodegenerative processes may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments specifically designed to address the swallowing and breathing problems that significantly impact the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of comparing nigral and extranigral neurodegeneration in aerodigestive discoordination is novel, previous animal models have been successful in mimicking aspects of Parkinson's disease.

Where this research is happening

STRATFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.