Prognostic Value of a Test of Central Auditory Function in Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia.

Background/objective: It has been suggested that central auditory processing dysfunction might precede the development of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) has been proposed as a test of central auditory function. Our objective was to evaluate the predictive capacity of the DDT in conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia.

Association of Genetic vs Environmental Factors in Swedish Adoptees With Clinically Significant Tinnitus.

Importance: No effective treatments are currently available for severe tinnitus, which affects 1% of the population and lowers the quality of life. The factors that contribute to the transition from mild to severe tinnitus are poorly known. Before performing genetic analyses and determining the mechanisms involved in the development of severe tinnitus, its heritability needs to be determined.

A Longitudinal Study of Peripheral and Central Auditory Function in Alzheimer's Disease and in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background/aim: Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) might precede the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A method of evaluating CAPD is the dichotic digits test (DDT). The aim was to address this in a longitudinal setting.

Validation of Online Versions of Tinnitus Questionnaires Translated into Swedish.

Due to the lack of objective measures for assessing tinnitus, its clinical evaluation largely relies on the use of questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests. A global assessment of tinnitus burden would largely benefit from holistic approaches that not only incorporate measures of tinnitus but also take into account associated fears, emotional aspects (stress, anxiety, and depression), and quality of life. In Sweden, only a few instruments are available for assessing tinnitus, and the existing tools lack validation.

Mismatch Negativity and Ear Laterality in Alzheimer's Disease and in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Cortical auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) were studied in order to measure mismatch negativity (MMN). Three groups of subjects were studied: patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 32), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 44), and subjective memory complaints without cognitive decline (SMC, n = 27). A bottom up strategy was applied, and the right and left ears were stimulated monaurally.