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Dementia and hearing loss
Hearing aid use can protect against cognitive decline
A new report published by the Lancet Commission shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia.
In fact, moderate hearing impairment can increase one's risk of dementia by threefold. This is because hearing loss leads to lowered mental stimulation, isolation, and, ultimately, cognitive decline.
Fortunately, hearing aids have been shown to protect against cognitive decline by keeping the brain actively engaged in everyday life.
The surprising link between hearing loss and dementia
Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia
Half of people don’t know the risk factors for dementia
Individuals with moderate hearing loss have triple the risk of dementia
If all hearing loss was treated, nearly 1 in 10 cases of dementia could be eliminated
There are ways to reduce the risk of dementia
The 2020 Report by The Lancet Commission entitled: Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care was released on 30 July, 2020. The latest research states that modifying 12 risk factors from childhood to late life could delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases. These lifestyle factors can be adjusted in order to reduce one’s risk for developing dementia. The 12 modifiable risk factors are presented below:
Of these 12 risk factors, an untreated hearing loss in midlife remains the largest modifiable risk factor of dementia. The risk of dementia also varies based on level of hearing loss.
- Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia
- Moderate hearing loss triples the risk of dementia
- Severe hearing impairment increases the risk of dementia of up to five times that of those who don't have a hearing impairment
The recent study by the Lancet also states that, “hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitive stimulation.” The study further recommends the use of hearing aids for those with hearing loss, as a way to protect against cognitive decline.
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How hearing aids can support your brain
Hearing aids support your brain by helping you to process sound so that you can keep your brain mentally stimulated. When you have a hearing loss, it takes extra effort to keep up with conversations. This can lead to avoiding social situations and feelings of isolation.
Hearing aids help to keep you connected to the world around you so that you can confidently participate in social gatherings and activities with friends and loved ones
Our hearing care experts recommend hearing aids as a means of staying socially engaged with loved ones and participating in meaningful activities.
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FAQs about dementia
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According to the the Alzheimer's Society, "the word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language." There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK.
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While there are many factors that contribute to the risk of developing dementia, multiple studies show that untreated hearing loss is connected to cognitive decline. In fact, hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor when it comes to lowering the risk of dementia. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids helps to keep you mentally stimulated and protects against cognitive decline.
Treat your hearing loss to reduce the risk of cognitive decline:
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Dementia is a broader term for cognitive decline. According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of dementia cases.
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According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, some common signs of dementia are:
- Declining memory
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Language problems
- Disorientation
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problem keeping track of things
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Trouble with images and spatial relationships
- Withdrawal from work or other activities
Sources
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075051/
2. G Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. July 30, 2020.
3. https://www.oticon.com/professionals/brainhearing-technology/brainhearing-approach
4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis
5. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
7. https://www.alz.co.uk/info/early-symptoms
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320988/
9. https://www.bsa.natcen.ac.uk/media/39130/bsa-33-attitudes-to-dementia.pdf
10. https://www.oticon.com/your-hearing/hearing-health/cognitive-decline
