Auditory perception in the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is a global phenomenon having dementia as one of its main consequences. The manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease may cause changes in central auditory processing. Objective: This article aimed at assessing the scientific evidence of auditory perception and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly through fundamental aspects of a systematic review. Methods: The articles were researched in three databases: SciELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE. The main bibliographic search descriptors were: Alzheimer’s disease, auditory perception and hearing, and their combinations. The criteria for inclusion were: full texts in Portuguese and English, with target population (elderly), diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and published from 2005 to 2016. Repeated articles and those that did not fit the object of study were excluded. Data were analyzed quantitatively and reported in percentage. Results: The final sample consisted of 14 articles and 21.42% of these related hearing and Alzheimer’s disease signaling to the fact that a variety of hearing behavioral assessments tests may be used in this population. Conclusion: Considering the low percentage of central auditory processing research in individuals with Alzheimer’s, it can be suggested the need for further studies and research on this population.