Simple tongue workouts could cut pneumonia risk in dementia patients
NCT ID NCT03682081
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether tongue-strengthening exercises using a special device could improve swallowing in people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. 76 participants with mild to moderate dementia did exercises over 8 weeks. The goal was to reduce food or liquid going into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia. Researchers measured changes in swallowing safety using video X-rays.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) device for tongue strengthening exercises
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple, non-drug therapy to help people with dementia swallow more safely and lower their risk of pneumonia.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study (76 participants) without a later phase, so results may not apply broadly. The exercises require active participation, which may be challenging for some with advanced dementia.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States