Using sight, smell, and hearing tests to find early Alzheimer's
Multi-Domain Sensory Measures as Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages
This project tests whether simple, non-invasive vision, smell, and hearing checks can help spot Alzheimer’s in older adults before major memory loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11373777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will have brief, non-invasive tests of vision, smell, and hearing that are easy and low-cost. The research team will combine results from these sensory tests with brain imaging scans to see whether sensory changes line up with early Alzheimer’s brain changes. People in very early stages, including those with mild memory concerns or brain signs of Alzheimer’s, will be invited to participate. The aim is to develop simple screening tools that could point to who should get more testing or be considered for treatments or prevention trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults who are worried about memory, people with mild cognitive impairment, or anyone willing to undergo non-invasive sensory tests and brain imaging.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, severe uncorrected vision or hearing loss from other causes, or those unable to undergo brain imaging are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these simple sensory checks could help find Alzheimer’s earlier so people can access treatment or take steps to slow decline.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked changes in smell, vision, and hearing to Alzheimer’s, but combining multiple sensory measures with advanced neuroimaging in the same people is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Risacher, Shannon L — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Risacher, Shannon L
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.