Aerodigestive Studies

The aerodigestive (oropharynx, larynx, and lungs) and manual systems are involved in movements that require precise coordination between several muscle groups for successful functional task completion (speech, swallowing, reaching, grasping). Regularly, we use these complex systems in a simultaneous or sequential fashion without much difficulty. For example, we reach and grasp food, transfer to the mouth, and swallow it while talking to someone. How these systems develop and interact with each other has been described in depth in young infants, however, little is known about the continued interaction and prioritization that occurs during natural aging. Understanding the changes and interactions of these systems in healthy aging and disease will provide insights for future behavioral intervention development. Our interdisciplinary group is conducting studies to determine if the variability across the three systems of interest (speech, swallowing, and manual control) are influenced by common or distinct processes in aging and disease.

Collaborators:
Georgia Malandraki
Howie Zelaznik
Satyajit Ambike