If you're concerned about developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, don't wait until you're in your 60s to lessen your risk. Get your hearing screened annually because healthy hearing is vital for a healthy brain.
Why it matters
The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated, which reduces the risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other dementias.
- Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of AD and other dementias (AD accounts for approximately 75% of all dementia cases).
- Untreated hearing loss damages the brain permanently.
The backstory
- Your brain needs sound to function correctly. Hearing loss reduces the amount of sound your brain receives, which changes your brain permanently. For example, one irreversible result is less gray matter (see MRI evidence).
- Structural brain changes from hearing loss can start at any age.
Hearing aid use was associated with a 32 percent lower prevalence of dementia in the 853 participants who had moderate/severe hearing loss. —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
By the numbers
Today, we know how to lower the risk of AD and other dementias, yet the number of people living with AD increases steadily despite this knowledge.
- An estimated 6.5 million Americans 65 and older are living with AD.
- 73% are 75 and older.
- About 1 in 9 people (10.7%) 65 and older have AD.
Here in Illinois: By 2025, The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 260,000 people will have Alzheimer's, a 13% increase from 230,000 in 2020.
Calling all generations
If you're a Gen-Zer (born 1965-1980) or a Millennial (born 1981-1996) don't wait until you're in your 60s to get your hearing screened. Take advantage of the research and start now.
While you cannot control every risk factor contributing to dementia (age, genetics), you can get your hearing checked annually. Early treatment of hearing loss minimizes permanent brain damage.
Baby boomers (born 1946 and 1964) have the most significant risk of AD and other dementias. Boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day in the US, which will continue until December 31, 2029.
Get the answers you need at any age
Schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening performed by an audiologist. It's easy to find out if you have hearing loss. Don't guess. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment now or later
- How hearing aids mitigate the risks of social isolation, falling, faster cognitive decline, and dementia.
