Investigating the links between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia risk as we age
Official title: Shared Genetic and Environmental Influences on Age-Related Hearing Loss, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia Risk
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11079480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing loss and memory problems are connected as we get older, especially in Mexican American adults, to find out what genes and environmental factors might play a role, so we can better understand how to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $714,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078423-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Mexican American individuals aged 18 and older who are experiencing age-related hearing loss or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 18 years or do not have any signs of hearing loss or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline are interconnected and influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By studying a diverse group of Mexican American participants, the research aims to identify specific genetic and environmental pathways that contribute to these conditions. Participants will undergo assessments of their hearing abilities, cognitive skills, and biomarkers associated with dementia. The findings could lead to a better understanding of how to prevent or mitigate these age-related issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the genetic correlations between hearing and cognitive abilities, supporting the potential success of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathias, Samuel Robert — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mathias, Samuel Robert
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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.