20 July 2017

Dementia – hearing loss a potential modifiable risk factor

Taking steps to reduce hearing loss may reduce the likelihood of patients suffering from dementia, a study has revealed.

The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care (the Commission) has
found that hearing loss might be a modifiable risk factor in 9 per cent of dementia cases.

Professor Gill Livingston, who led the Commission, said:

“People know that they should look after their heart and do some exercise, but nobody has really understood the importance of other risk factors such as hearing and a cognitively enriched environment”.

The link between hearing loss and dementia research was picked up by national and international news, including NHS Choices, the Guardian and the Financial Times.

The Commission has published its findings in the Lancet.

Listen to a podcast from the lead researcher.

Download the Lancet infographic.