Protocol: Systematic review protocol for assessing central auditory functions of Alzheimer’s disease and its preclinical stages

摘要

A number of studies have reported an association between peripheral hearing impairment, central auditory processing and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its preclinical stages. Both peripheral hearing impairment and central auditory processing disorders are observed many years prior to the clinical manifestation of AD symptoms, hence, providing a long window of opportunity to investigate potential interventions against neurodegenerative processes. This paper outlines the protocol for a systematic review of studies examining the central auditory processing functions in AD and its preclinical stages, investigated through behavioural (clinical assessments that require active participation) central auditory processing tests.