A landmark study of the effect of hearing intervention on brain health in older adults

WHAT IS ACHIEVE?

The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders, or ACHIEVE, study is a large-scale randomized controlled trial designed to determine if treating hearing loss in older adults reduces the loss of thinking and memory abilities (cognitive decline) that can precede dementia. 

The ACHIEVE study also looks at other health outcomes, including brain health, mental health and well-being, physical function, and health care use.

Cover of the Lancet medical journal features a pull-quote describing ACHIEVE main results
ACHIEVE Main Findings

Main results, published in the Lancet in 2023, showed that in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over 3 years.

ACHIEVE Findings About Other Health Outcomes
  • Finger pointing to brain MRI scans

    Brain Health

    Results of research into brain structure and cognition.

    Brain Health
  • older man with glasses and younger woman smiling

    Mental Health and Well-Being

    Results of research into social isolation and loneliness, depression, & health-related quality of life.

    Mental Health and Well-Being
  • older woman with dumbbells

    Physical Function

    Results of research into physical activity, physical performance, & falls.

    Physical Function
  • health care professional speaking with older patient

    Health Care Use

    COMING SOON: Results of research into hospitalizations & health care spending.

    Health Care Use

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For Researchers

Interested in collaborating? Researchers interested in studying questions using ACHIEVE data are encouraged to reach out to ACHIEVE investigators to discuss their ideas. 

Researcher Information

For the Media

Access press materials and connect with ACHIEVE study investigators.

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