Hearing loss results in decreased brain stimulation, isolation and ultimately cognitive decline. Fortunately, hearing aids protect against this cognitive decline by keeping your brain active every day. Hearing loss is the most important risk factor for treatable dementia according to a new report published by The Lancet Commission. In fact, moderate hearing loss can triple the risk of dementia (reduced mental capacity).

The surprising link between hearing loss and declining mental abilities

  • Globally, dementia affects an estimated 50 million people
  • Half of people are unaware of the risk factors for dementia
  • People with moderate hearing loss are three times more at risk of dementia
  • If hearing problems were all treated in time, almost 1 case of dementia over 10 could be avoided

There are ways to reduce the risk of dementia

The 2020 Report of The Lancet Commission, Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care was published on July 3, 2020. This recent study indicates that by changing 12 risk factors throughout life, it becomes possible to delay or prevent 40% cases of dementia and mental decline. These lifestyle factors can be influenced to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The 12 modifiable risk factors are presented below

Population attributable fraction of potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia

Of these 12 risk factors, untreated hearing loss in your 50s is the most important treatable risk factor for dementia . In addition, the risk of cognitive decline varies depending on the level of hearing loss.

  • Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia.
  • Moderate hearing loss triples the risk of cognitive decline.
  • People with severe hearing loss are 5 times more at risk of dementia than those who are not hard of hearing

Recent research from The Lancet also points out that hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities due to impaired cognitive stimulation. The study also recommends the wearing of hearing aids for people with hearing loss, as a means of protecting against cognitive decline.

How do hearing aids support your brain?

Hearing aids help your brain by processing sound so that it stays constantly stimulated.

When you have hearing loss, you have to go the extra mile to be able to keep up with conversations. It can cause you to avoid social contact and feel isolated. Hearing aids help you stay in touch with the world around you so you can confidently participate in meetings and social activities.

Audika hearing care experts recommend wearing hearing aids to maintain an active lifestyle and thus prevent the risk of developing dementia.

Frequently asked questions about dementia

According to the National Institute of Aging in the United States, dementia is described as the loss of cognitive functions – thinking, memory and reasoning – and behavioral skills to such an extent that the person’s life and daily activities are affected. are altered. The number of people with dementia is estimated at 50 million, with around 10 million new cases per year.

There are several things that contribute to the risk of developing dementia, but different studies have linked untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline. In fact, hearing loss is the most important modifiable risk factor when it comes to reducing the risk of dementia. Treating deafness with hearing aids helps maintain brain stimulation and protect against cognitive decline.

Dementia is the general term for cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, constituting 60 to 70% of dementia cases.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, these are the most common signs of dementia:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty performing known tasks
  • Linguistic issues
  • Disorientation Impaired judgment
  • Difficulty keeping track of things
  • Put things in the wrong place
  • Changes in behavior and mood
  • Difficulty with images and finding one’s bearings in space
  • Distancing from professional life and other activities