Understanding how aging affects hearing and cognitive decline

Cell type specific vulnerability to aging

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10737185

This study is looking at how hearing loss as we get older might be linked to memory problems, especially in people with Alzheimer's, and it hopes to find ways to help improve brain health in older adults by understanding how our hearing changes with age.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10737185 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's disease. It aims to uncover how changes in the central auditory system contribute to these issues by conducting molecular and cellular neuro-imaging experiments. The study will analyze both aged animals and models of Alzheimer's to identify the specific auditory circuits affected by aging. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to pave the way for targeted interventions that could improve cognitive health in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or those at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing and no signs of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between auditory processing and cognitive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.