Ongoing Research Projects Include:
Pharyngeal atrophy in the context of aging
Safe and efficient swallowing is something that most people take for granted. However, a disruption to swallowing function is not uncommon in the aging process and can have serious consequences for one’s health and quality-of-life. Studies suggest that the prevalence of swallowing disorders in older individuals ranges from 15-74%, depending on the population sampled and/or the metric used to define dysphagia. Click here for more information on Dr. Molfenter’s R01 grant aimed at targeting age-related swallowing changes through exercise and protein supplementation.
Now recruiting participants 65+ years old to participate in a study involving completion of swallowing exercises (click this link or email us for more info).
Dysphagia after ACDF Surgery
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure to correct pain, weakness, or numbness associated with degenerative disc disease. Unfortunately, ACDF surgery places the muscles and the nerves of the throat at risk for damage and can result in impaired swallowing (‘dysphagia’). Read more about our work related to dysphagia in the ACDF population here. This research has been funded by CTSI Pilot Funds (NIH/NCATS UL1TR00144).