Hearing aids didn't boost memory tests but dementia risk dropped
4 hours ago
- #cognitive-health
- #hearing-aids
- #dementia-risk
- Hearing aids did not improve memory or thinking test scores in older adults with moderate hearing loss.
- Over seven years, those prescribed hearing aids had a 33% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those without hearing aids.
- Consistent use of hearing aids was associated with a steadily decreasing risk of dementia.
- The study involved 2,777 adults with an average age of 75, none of whom had dementia at the start.
- Cognitive impairment risk was 15% lower in those prescribed hearing aids.
- The findings suggest an association between hearing aid use and reduced dementia risk, not direct causation.
- Study limitations include the participants' initial good health and cognitive abilities, which may not generalize to others.