Dementia Precaution Proven to Slash Risk by Nearly Half

Alarmingly, global dementia cases are projected to triple, exceeding 150 million by the year 2050.

As no known cure exists yet, ongoing research is exploring potential strategies and preventative measures to preserve cognitive health.

A recent study, published in the Lancet, contributes to this body of knowledge.

The team discovered that the use of hearing aids could reduce the risk of cognitive deterioration by nearly 50 percent in individuals vulnerable to this debilitating condition.

Hearing loss associated with age is a widespread issue, impacting two-thirds of adults over 60 worldwide. However, fewer than one in ten individuals experiencing hearing loss in low- and middle-income countries, and less than 30% in high-income countries, currently utilize hearing aids.

Unaddressed hearing loss is linked with increased cognitive deterioration and was projected by the 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia to account for approximately 8% of global dementia cases. This translates to 800,000 out of nearly 10 million new dementia diagnoses each year.

There are several hypotheses as to how untreated hearing loss may lead to cognitive decline and dementia. One theory is that hearing loss places additional strain on the brain, detracting from other mental functions such as cognition and memory. Another notion is that hearing loss accelerates brain aging. Lastly, it’s possible that the social isolation resulting from hearing loss could lead to brain atrophy due to decreased mental stimulation.

Prior observational studies have suggested that addressing hearing loss could help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. However, these studies may be skewed as those who can afford and opt to treat their hearing loss might generally be healthier and at a lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who do not. Consequently, the actual impact of hearing aid use in reducing cognitive decline among cognitively healthy older adults with hearing loss remained uncertain.

To generate more solid evidence, the ACHIEVE randomized trial enrolled 977 adults aged 70–84 years with untreated hearing loss, who were free from significant cognitive impairment, from four communities across the United States.

Participants underwent cognitive tests evaluating their executive function, language, and memory at the beginning and end of the study.

This groundbreaking research marks the first randomized control trial to establish such a definitive link.

Professor Frank Lin from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, remarked, “These results provide compelling evidence that treating hearing loss is a powerful tool to protect cognitive function in later life, and possibly, over the long term, delay a dementia diagnosis.

“But any cognitive benefits of treating age-related hearing loss are likely to vary depending on an individuals’ risk of cognitive decline.”

Taking the study findings into consideration, the researchers suggested that preventing hearing loss could avert as many as 8 percent of dementia cases.

Other ways to decrease dementia risk

Regarding a brain-nurturing diet, what you limit is just as critical as what you incorporate. The experts advise moderating your consumption of saturated fats, salt, and sugar.

Additionally, aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, contemplate giving up smoking, and maintain a low alcohol consumption.

Image Credit: Shutterstock