The 2024 update of the Lancet Commission on dementia, published on July 31, provides further evidence that addressing hearing loss in midlife can decrease the risk of dementia.
The report acknowledges that early intervention in hearing loss, such as through hearing aids or other auditory interventions, could play a crucial role in preserving cognitive function and preventing dementia. This adds to a growing body of evidence of the importance of addressing hearing loss early to improve cognitive health.
The 2024 update, following review of international data and adding two new modifiable risks the authors produced a new analysis for dementia in mid life in which hearing loss is now 7%. In addition to established factors like low education, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and depression, the report now includes untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol as significant risks. The comprehensive review of recent studies and meta-analyses reveals that managing these factors could potentially prevent up to 45% of future dementia cases, underlining the potential for effective prevention strategies.
A key finding is the enhanced evidence supporting the impact of hearing loss on dementia risk. The report highlights that addressing hearing loss through interventions like hearing aids can substantially reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. It suggests that integrating hearing loss management into public health strategies, alongside addressing other risk factors, could lead to substantial reductions in dementia cases.
By emphasizing early and consistent intervention for hearing loss, the report advocates for a proactive approach to dementia prevention through public health efforts. Such measures, coupled with policy interventions and individual actions tailored to address these risk factors, could lead to a substantial decrease in the global impact of dementia.
For more detailed information, you can access the full Lancet report here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/fulltext
