Investigating hearing changes in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Hearing Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10906136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing loss might be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, using mice to find out if changes in hearing can help detect the disease sooner, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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 start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $768,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing hearing loss.
✕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 focuses on understanding how hearing loss may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related dementias. By studying mouse models of AD, researchers aim to identify specific changes in hearing that could serve as biomarkers for early detection of the disease. The project will explore the relationship between auditory stimulation and the progression of AD, potentially leading to new methods for diagnosis and treatment. The findings could help in distinguishing between age-related hearing loss and hearing changes specifically caused by Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions that may slow disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using sensory stimulation to influence Alzheimer's pathology, indicating that this approach may hold potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Hong-Bo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Hong-Bo
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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.