How aging affects speech recognition and communication difficulties
Official title: Aging Neural Systems and Communication Difficulties
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10978891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the brain as we age affect older adults' ability to understand speech, especially when there's background noise, to help find ways to make communication easier for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021423-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who experience difficulties in understanding speech, particularly in noisy settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 65 years of age or those without communication difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related changes in the brain impact older adults' ability to recognize speech, especially in noisy environments. By examining the speed at which older adults process auditory information and make decisions about what they hear, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to communication challenges. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers will explore the relationship between cognitive decline and difficulties in understanding speech. The findings could lead to better strategies for improving communication in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance communication strategies and interventions for older adults, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive decline and communication difficulties in older adults, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaden, Kenneth I. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Vaden, Kenneth I.
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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.