Changes of auditory γ-aminobutyric acid and cerebral blood flow in presbycusis and their relationship with cognitive impairment

Motivation: Studies have shown that presbycusis is associated with cognitive impairment. Goal(s): To study the pathophysiological mechanism of presbycusis and its potential association with cognitive impairment. Approach: To study the levels of auditory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and their relationship with auditory and cognitive function in patients with presbycusis and healthy controls. Results: The results showed that the decrease of auditory GABA, Glu levels and CBF in presbycusis was related to the decrease of speech perception or cognitive impairment, and mediated the association between hearing loss and impaired information processing speed in presbycusis. Impact: The decrease of GABA and CBF mediates the correlation between hearing loss and impaired information processing speed in presbycusis, which helps us to reveal the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive impairment in presbycusis.