Open AccessA randomized feasibility pilot trial of hearing treatment for reducing cognitive decline: Results from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Deal Jennifer A.,
Albert Marilyn S.,
Arnold Michelle,
Bangdiwala Shrikant I.,
Chisolm Theresa,
Davis Sonia,
Eddins Ann,
Glynn Nancy W.,
Goman Adele M.,
Minotti Melissa,
Mosley Thomas,
Rebok George W.,
Reed Nicholas,
Rodgers Elizabeth,
Sanchez Victoria,
Sharrett A. Richey,
Coresh Josef,
Lin Frank R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2017.06.003
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , cognitive decline , hearing loss , medicine , cognition , dementia , psychological intervention , gerontology , physical therapy , intervention (counseling) , audiology , psychiatry , disease
Hearing loss (HL) is prevalent and independently related to cognitive decline and dementia. There has never been a randomized trial to test if HL treatment could reduce cognitive decline in older adults. Methods A 40‐person (aged 70–84 years) pilot study in Washington County, MD, was conducted. Participants were randomized 1:1 to a best practices hearing or successful aging intervention and followed for 6 months. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02412254 . Results The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Pilot (ACHIEVE‐P) Study demonstrated feasibility in recruitment, retention, and implementation of interventions with no treatment‐related adverse events. A clear efficacy signal of the hearing intervention was observed in perceived hearing handicap (mean of 0.11 to −1.29 standard deviation [SD] units; lower scores better) and memory (mean of −0.10 SD to 0.38 SD). Discussion ACHIEVE‐P sets the stage for the full‐scale ACHIEVE trial (N = 850, recruitment beginning November 2017), the first randomized trial to determine efficacy of a best practices hearing (vs. successful aging) intervention on reducing cognitive decline in older adults with HL.