Hearing Loss Linked to Faster Brain Atrophy and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Study
Recent research has suggested a potential link between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms and how they relate to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline remain unclear. A new study sheds light on these relationships and their impact on dementia risk. The study was published in the Journal Of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. The study was conducted by Thomas D. and colleagues.
Hearing loss has been proposed as a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but the specific pathways involved are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how hearing impairment relates to brain atrophy and cognitive decline, and whether pathological processes such as Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease influence these relationships.
The study analyzed data from 287 adults born in the same week of 1946 who underwent baseline pure tone audiometry at an average age of 70.6 years. Participants also underwent two time point cognitive assessment and multimodal brain imaging with a mean interval of 2.4 years. Hearing impairment was defined as a pure tone average of greater than 25 decibels in the best hearing ear. Rates of change for whole brain, hippocampal, and ventricle volume were estimated from structural MRI. Cognitive function was assessed using the Pre-clinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite. Regression models were used to evaluate the associations between baseline hearing impairment, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline, adjusting for confounding factors including β-amyloid deposition and white matter hyperintensity volume.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.