Hearing changes linked to Alzheimer's disease
Hearing Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease
Looks at whether changes in hearing and brain responses could signal early Alzheimer's in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team uses mouse models of Alzheimer's to search for disease-related changes in hearing and neural responses. They will record auditory function and test whether patterned sound (including gamma-frequency stimulation) alters Alzheimer-related brain changes and behavior in these models. Findings aim to identify specific hearing signals tied to Alzheimer pathology that could be translated into human screening or monitoring tools. Longer-term goals include developing simple hearing-based tests or sound therapies that can be tried in people to detect or slow Alzheimer progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults worried about memory decline, those with mild cognitive complaints, or people with a family history of Alzheimer's would be the most relevant candidates for future human follow-up.
Not a fit: People whose hearing loss is entirely due to age-related changes or ear disease unrelated to Alzheimer's pathology may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to noninvasive hearing-based tests or sound therapies that detect or help slow Alzheimer's earlier than current methods.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice have shown that acoustic or gamma-frequency stimulation can reduce amyloid pathology and improve memory, but human evidence is limited and preliminary.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Hong-Bo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Hong-Bo
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 below.