Investigating how early hearing loss may relate to Alzheimer's disease

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the connection between early age-related hearing loss and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants aged 55 to 75 with early-stage hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment will receive hearing aids to assess their impact on cognitive decline. The study aims to explore how improving hearing may enhance social engagement and brain connectivity, potentially preventing further cognitive deterioration. Participants will be monitored to gather data on the effectiveness of this intervention.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Columbia University Health Sciences
  New York, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Golub, Justin Scott — Columbia University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Golub, Justin Scott

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Ear health and memory: can hearing aids help prevent cognitive decline in adults at risk for Alzheimer's

  A focused study will test whether using hearing aids can help 55-75 year olds with early hearing loss keep their thinking sharper and reduce risk for Alzheimer’s-related changes.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11395476

• Using hearing aids to help protect memory and thinking in people with early hearing loss

  This trial will test whether providing hearing-aid based support to people aged 55–75 with early hearing loss and mild memory problems can slow memory decline and related brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11178762

• Benfotiamine for early Alzheimer's disease in a Phase II trial

  A first-in-class blood-brain barrier form of vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is being tested in people with early Alzheimer’s disease to see if it can help memory and thinking.

  NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11595743

• Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression

  Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.

  NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11457053

• Move2Joy: a personalized mobile program to boost activity and lower dementia risk

  A mobile health program helps middle-aged and older adults stay physically active to reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11364577

• Investigating how hearing loss affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease

  This study is looking at how hearing loss might affect memory and brain health in people with Alzheimer's disease, using animals to see if losing hearing makes Alzheimer's symptoms worse, which could help us find ways to prevent or treat both conditions.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11122352

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.