Hearing Problems and Dementia Risk in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chu Jun, Mair Christine, Boudreaux Michel
Primary Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Hypothesis
Is there a longitudinal association between hearing problems and the risk of developing dementia among older adults, and does this association vary by race and ethnicity?
Conclusion
Older adults with hearing problems are at a greater risk of developing dementia over time.
Supporting Evidence
- Hearing trouble was associated with a 2.29 times higher risk of developing dementia.
- The study used nationally representative survey data.
- The association was adjusted for demographics, chronic conditions, hearing aid status, and social isolation.
Takeaway
If older people have trouble hearing, they might also have a higher chance of getting dementia later on.
Methodology
Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2022) was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.
Limitations
The study did not find statistically significant differences in the association by race and ethnicity.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults in the United States.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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