Untreated hearing loss is largest preventable risk factor for dementia (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Today (September 21) marks World Alzheimer’s Day. Boots Hearingcare is urging the public to take one simple step that could protect both hearing and brain health: get your hearing checked.
Untreated hearing loss is now recognised as the largest preventable risk factor for dementia. However, millions of people in the UK delay seeking help.
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, if everyone took steps to prevent or manage hearing loss, there would be seven fewer cases of dementia for every 100 people who develop it now. More than 18 million people (one in three) in the UK live with some form of hearing loss.
Yet, many wait an average of 10 years before seeking help, with approximately three million living with untreated hearing loss. Meanwhile, dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, and is the leading cause of death nationwide, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Few people realise that the two could be connected. The Lancet Commission on dementia identified midlife hearing loss as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia – more than smoking, social isolation, or lack of exercise.
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The study published in The Lancet found that tackling issues like hearing loss, depression, and insufficient physical activity might help prevent about 35% of dementia cases. Keeping homocysteine levels in check through vitamin B and other methods could also lead to even more reductions.
The 2020 Lancet Commission report estimated that approximately 8% of dementia cases could be attributable to hearing impairment, which is about 1 in 12 cases.
It found 12 risk factors that can be changed, which could potentially stop or postpone around 40% of dementia cases. These factors are present throughout a person’s life and cover things like childhood education, taking care of hearing and vision, lowering high blood pressure and alcohol consumption, avoiding head injuries, dealing with depression, and tackling air pollution as one gets older.
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A further study showed that people with an increased risk of cognitive decline, who also wore hearing aids, had a 48% lower risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
Living with untreated hearing loss places greater strain on the brain, making conversations harder to follow, particularly in noisy settings. Over time, this extra cognitive load can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and reduced wellbeing. By easing listening effort, hearing aids make it easier to stay engaged, connected, and active.
Karen Shepherd Director of Hearing Health Care Development at Boots Hearingcare said: “There is a lot of talk and emerging evidence about association with hearing loss and dementia however, but currently there is no strong evidence to suggest one causes the other. What we do know is that hearing aids have no negative impact on cognition and using hearing technology to hear well can have a profound, positive effect on quality of life.”
Karen continues: “We often see patients who’ve been struggling with hearing loss for years. They begin to withdraw socially, lose confidence, and in some cases are even misdiagnosed with early cognitive decline. But once they’re fitted with hearing aids, it’s like their world opens up again.
“They’re more engaged, more connected, and often their families notice real improvements in mood, memory and communication. It’s not just about hearing better, it’s about living better.”
Boots Hearingcare is calling on everyone over the age of 50 to treat hearing tests as a regular health check- just like eye exams or blood pressure checks. Experts are also encouraging people to talk to older family members who may be showing signs of hearing loss – such as turning the TV up louder, asking for repetition or withdrawing from conversation – and to support them in seeking help.
Boots Hearingcare offers free hearing tests at more than 400 locations across the UK. Book a free hearing check or learn more at: www.bootshearingcare.com
MIR brain scan showing early dementia/Alzheimer’s (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, a hopeful 10-15-minute strategy for preventing dementia could include the SAGE test (Simple At-Home Screening for Alzheimer’s and Dementia), which is available for those over 50. It should be paired with a blood test to check homocysteine levels and manage risk factors such as hearing loss.
A statement about the test on SAGE’s website, reads: “You may want to take SAGE if you are concerned that you might have cognitive issues. Or you may wish to have your family or friends take the test if they are having memory or thinking problems.
“The difficulties listed can be early signs of cognitive and brain dysfunction. While dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can lead to these symptoms, there are many other treatable disorders that also may cause these signs.
“It is normal to experience some memory loss and to take longer to recall events as you age. But if the changes you are experiencing are worrying you or others around you, SAGE can be a helpful tool to assess if further evaluation is necessary.”
The SAGE test was developed by Dr Scharre, MD, who is a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre. Dr Scharre developed SAGE to address a significant gap in early detection of cognitive issues.
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You don’t need special equipment to take SAGE — just a pen and paper. There are four forms of the SAGE test. You only need to take one. It doesn’t matter which one you take; they are all interchangeable.
- Download the test
- Print it out and answer the questions in ink without the assistance of others
- When you’re done, take your answer sheet to your doctor so he or she can score it and talk to you about the results
Try not to check the clock or calendar while you’re taking the test, and if you have any questions about a question, just do your best. This four-page test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to finish, but there’s no strict time limit.
Based on your score, your doctor might set up follow-up tests or keep it on file to monitor any changes later. Sadly, many people wait years before seeking help for these symptoms.
There are plenty of treatable reasons for cognitive decline, and sometimes medications or other treatments can work really well—especially if you start them when the symptoms first appear. Keep in mind that SAGE isn’t meant to diagnose any specific condition.
The SAGE test won’t stop dementia, and the results won’t tell you if you have Alzheimer’s, mini-strokes, or any other disorders. However, they can help your doctor determine if you need further evaluation. The test can help spot its early signs, which might lead to earlier intervention.