Understanding how hearing loss in midlife connects to brain health and memory
Evaluating the associations of hearing loss with cognitive and brain health outcomes in midlife
['FUNDING_R21'] · KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11176228
This project explores how hearing loss in middle-aged adults might be linked to changes in memory and brain health, especially concerning Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176228 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers believe that hearing loss could be a factor that can be changed to help prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This work focuses on people aged 45-65, a time when early signs of brain changes might appear and when hearing loss often begins. We want to see if there's a connection between hearing loss and how well the brain functions, as well as other signs of brain health, in this age group. The project also looks at how these connections might differ in diverse populations and how social factors play a role.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this work would be middle-aged adults, specifically those aged 45-65, who are part of the existing CARDIA study cohort.
Not a fit: Patients outside the midlife age range or those not part of the specific CARDIA study cohort may not directly benefit from this particular research opportunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to screen for and address hearing loss in midlife as a strategy to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have looked at hearing loss and cognition in older adults, this project addresses a critical gap by focusing on middle-aged adults and underrepresented populations.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE — Oakland, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BRENOWITZ, WILLA DOMINO — KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: BRENOWITZ, WILLA DOMINO
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia