- Research Name Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men
- Category Cognitive Decline
- Date 01/29/2019
10,000 people reported significant cognitive decline during an 8 year survey if they had measurable hearing loss.
Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association
Sharon G. Curhan, Walter C. Willett, Francine Grodstein, Gary C. Curhan https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.11.004
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.11.004
Abstract
Introduction
We examined the relation between self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use, and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline.
Methods
We conducted an 8-year (2008–2016) longitudinal study of 10,107 men aged ≥62 years who reported their hearing status in 2006 and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2008. Change in SCF scores was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire, and subjective decline was defined as new report of at least one SCF concern during follow-up.
Results
Hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with no hearing loss, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) of incident SCF decline was 1.30 (1.18, 1.42), 1.42 (1.26, 1.61), and 1.54 (1.22, 1.96) among men with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss (no hearing aids), respectively (P-trend < .001). Among men with severe hearing loss who used hearing aids, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) was 1.37 (1.18, 1.60).
Discussion
Hearing loss was associated with substantially higher risk of subsequent subjective cognitive decline in men.
