Hearing tests and their link to Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Do auditory tests predict future Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11054087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing loss might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease, aiming to find out if problems with hearing can make Alzheimer's worse or if Alzheimer's itself makes it harder to hear, so we can discover ways to help slow down dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,183,821 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087264-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing hearing loss or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any hearing impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between hearing loss and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It explores two hypotheses: one suggesting that damage to the auditory system may accelerate AD through sensory deprivation, and another proposing that brain changes related to AD impair auditory processing. The study will assess how auditory test results correlate with the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which are indicators of AD. By understanding these connections, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could slow or prevent dementia progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease through improved hearing interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results linking auditory processing and cognitive function in individuals with HIV, suggesting that similar approaches may yield valuable insights in Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buckey, Jay C — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Buckey, Jay C
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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.