Investigating how hearing loss affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The role of hearing loss in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11122352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078132-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing hearing loss, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between hearing loss and cognitive impairment, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using an animal model, the study aims to determine if hearing loss accelerates the development of AD pathology, such as amyloid beta accumulation and cognitive decline. The researchers will assess how induced hearing loss impacts brain function and memory, providing insights into potential interventions. This work could lead to recommendations for preventing or treating hearing loss as a means to mitigate Alzheimer's disease.
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 the management of hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, indicating that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bigelow, James — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bigelow, James
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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.