Investigating the link between hearing loss and memory in older adults
An emerging Alzheimer's disease risk factor: An investigation of hearing impairment, hippocampal function, and memory in middle-aged and older adults
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 ID | NIH-10642293 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and older adults who are cognitively normal but may have varying degrees of hearing ability.
Not a fit: Patients with existing cognitive impairments or diagnosed Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
La Jolla, United States
- 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
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 below.