Dementia and hearing loss closely linked, say researchers

Alzheimer's researchers are working to understand the links between dementia and hearing loss in a project run by the University of Manchester and supported by Alzheimer's Research UK and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. It has been estimated that if mid-life hearing loss can be eliminated then it would lead to a 9% reduction in dementia cases.

Alzheimer's Research UK said: "The team will determine if dementia is directly caused by hearing loss, if dementia is an indirect consequence of social isolation caused by hearing problems, or if there are other biological factors that increase the risk of both hearing loss and dementia.

"This information about the mechanisms behind the link between hearing loss and dementia will help us to understand what the most effective strategies are for reducing dementia risk. It will also assess the potential benefits of hearing aids in reducing the risk of developing dementia, using the same datasets.

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"If the team see reduced risk when people use hearing aids, they will then investigate whether this is linked to other benefits of using them such as increased social interaction and physical activity, and reduced depression."

Hearing loss affects over two thirds of people over the age of 65 and the fact that hearing loss is so common means that it could have a large impact on the overall number of people developing dementia, according to Alzheimer's Research UK.

This global project, headed by Dr Piers Dawes at the University of Manchester, will use information from thousands of volunteers from the US, UK and a number of European countries. Each volunteer has provided data for up to 17 years.

These data sets are packed with details about participants' hearing, their use of hearing aids, scores from memory and thinking tests, brain scan images, levels of physical and mental activity, and health information. This valuable resource allows the team to explore the connection between hearing loss and the risk of dementia.

The aim is to develop a much deeper understanding of how hearing loss and dementia are linked. Dr Dawes' team want to determine if dementia is directly caused by hearing loss, if dementia is an indirect consequence of social isolation caused by hearing problems, or if there are other biological factors that increase the risk of both hearing loss and dementia.

They will also look at whether hearing aids can help reduce dementia risk. This research is designed to help pinpoint the most effective strategies for reducing dementia risk and can inform public health policy for dementia prevention and reduction.

Alzheimer's Research UK said: "The sooner we know how specific modifiable risk factors are linked to dementia, and the lifestyle changes people can make, the sooner we can find a way to stop as many as one in three cases of dementia before they even start."

The Alzheimer's Society has information on its website about hearing loss and dementia. The NHS also has published information about research into how hearing loss and dementia could be linked.