Investigating the link between hearing loss and memory in older adults
Official title: An emerging Alzheimer's disease risk factor: An investigation of hearing impairment, hippocampal function, and memory in middle-aged and older adults
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10642293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing loss might impact memory and brain activity in middle-aged and older adults who are otherwise healthy, to see if it could be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,385 |
| NIH project number | 1K22AG081276-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10642293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and older adults who are cognitively normal but may have varying degrees of hearing ability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing cognitive impairments or diagnosed Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how hearing impairment may affect memory function and hippocampal activity in middle-aged and older adults who are cognitively normal. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing data from the UK Biobank, researchers will assess hearing ability, hippocampal function through functional MRI, and memory performance using specific tasks. The goal is to uncover the relationship between these factors and how they may contribute to Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease by addressing hearing impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between hearing impairment and cognitive decline, suggesting that this investigation could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzhugh, Megan Charlotte — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Fitzhugh, Megan Charlotte
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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.