Understanding how aging affects hearing and cognitive decline
Official title: Cell type specific vulnerability to aging
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10737185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,433,859 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG078378-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10737185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or those at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing and no signs of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanold, Patrick O — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kanold, Patrick O
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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.