As the number of dementia cases is predicted to triple to 153 million by 2050, researchers urgently call for increased awareness of the link between hearing loss and the disease.
Imagine a world where a simple device could drastically reduce the risk of dementia, one of the most feared and devastating diseases of our time. According to groundbreaking research, wearing hearing aids could be the key to reducing the global burden of this debilitating disease.
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Dementia is a growing threat to health and social care systems worldwide, and cases are estimated to nearly triple to reach 153 million by 2050. However, a new study suggests that hearing loss, which may be associated with 8% of all cases, may be a modifiable risk factor for dementia in midlife.
A new study has found that people with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids have a 42% higher risk of developing all-cause dementia than people without hearing loss. However, the use of hearing aids can reduce this risk as well as in people without hearing loss.
“Evidence has accumulated that hearing loss may be the most effective modifiable risk factor for dementia in middle age, but the effectiveness of hearing aids in reducing the risk of dementia in the real world remains unclear,” said Professor Dongshan Zhu of Shandong University in China. .
The study was based on data from another study involving more than 400,000 participants with an average follow-up of 12 years. Researchers have found that hearing loss can begin at age 40 and gradual cognitive decline can continue until age 25 before dementia is diagnosed.
“In the UK, around four-fifths of people with hearing loss do not use hearing aids. Our findings underscore the urgent need for early hearing aid applications once a person begins to experience hearing loss,” Zhu said.
While some experts remain skeptical about the link between hearing aids and preventing dementia, they agree that hearing aids play an important role in reducing isolation and improving quality of life.
Scientists are urging governments and health systems to join forces to raise awareness, increase access to hearing aids, and support primary care professionals in identifying and providing treatment for hearing loss as we strive to address one of the greatest health threats of our time.
Previously Focus He wrote about an unexpected fact about Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have found that this most likely has nothing to do with the brain.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.