Hearing care to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial delivers a revised, community-based hearing care intervention (HEARS-NPS device and program) to older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and untreated adult-onset hearing loss. Participants are randomized to receive the tailored hearing intervention, which is administered with caregiver involvement and includes device fitting and communication strategies. Study outcomes focus on changes in communication, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and care partner distress, with a required one-month follow-up visit. The intervention is offered through the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center and targets real-world, community implementation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 60 - 100 years old
* English-speaking
* Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementia according to the core clinical criteria outlined in the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and Alzheimer's Association Guidelines
* Speech frequency pure tone average (0.5- 4 kHz) \>25 db in the better-hearing ear; adult onset hearing loss
* Availability of caregiver/study partner who is 18+ to participate in all study-related visits and who provides care supervision
* Stable (for 2 weeks or longer) dosing of medication (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics) for neuropsychiatric symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current self-reported use of hearing aid or amplification device
* Medical contraindication to use hearing aids ( e.g. draining ears)
* Inability to participate in the 1-month follow up

Where it's running

• Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Esther Oh, MD, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
• Study coordinator: Esther Oh, MD, Ph.D.
• Email: eoh9@jhmi.edu
• Phone: 410-550-0925

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Blood tests using plasma biomarkers to diagnose and track Alzheimer’s disease

  A large, year-long study in Milan is testing whether blood markers can help diagnose Alzheimer’s and predict how it will progress in people with memory concerns.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele · Milan, Milano · NCT07717567

• Collecting data on neurodegenerative diseases progression markers

  This study is trying to find new signs that can help doctors understand how neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's progress, so they can improve early treatment options for patients.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele Roma · Cassino, Frosinone · NCT06596746

• Investigating the impact of hearing aids on cognitive decline in older adults

  This study is testing if using hearing aids can help older adults with early hearing loss and mild memory problems think better and stay socially active compared to those who only get health education.

  Recruiting Columbia University · New York, New York · NCT06174038

• Evaluating a toolkit to help caregivers identify and communicate pain in dementia patients

  This study is testing a new toolkit to help caregivers of people with dementia recognize and talk about pain to see if it makes a difference in their care.

  Recruiting Weill Medical College of Cornell University · New York, New York · NCT06168604

• Cohort study on Alzheimer's risk in first-degree relatives

  This study looks at how likely first-degree relatives of Alzheimer's patients are to develop the disease themselves and what factors might affect that risk.

  Recruiting Ruijin Hospital · Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality · NCT05597410

• Using a passive home sensor to find digital signs of brain energy changes from nicotinamide riboside

  This project will try a contact-free home sensor to see if it can detect activity, sleep, and breathing changes related to nicotinamide riboside in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's.

  Recruiting Mclean Hospital · Belmont, Massachusetts · NCT05245903

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.