LINKS BETWEEN SELF-REPORTED HEARING WITH LEARNING AND MEMORY IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
2024

Hearing Loss and Memory in Older Adults

Sample size: 3417 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ariana Stickel, Carlos Araujo-Menendez, Carmen Chek, Laura Coco, Hector González, Wassim Tarraf

Primary Institution: San Diego State University

Hypothesis

The study examines the relationship between self-reported hearing and learning and memory in older adults.

Conclusion

Poor self-reported hearing is linked to worse memory recall, indicating a potential increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fair and poor self-reported hearing were associated with a steeper drop in memory recall.
  • Self-reported poor hearing was linked to worse delayed recall even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Takeaway

If you can't hear well, it might be harder to remember things, which could mean a higher chance of getting Alzheimer's when you get older.

Methodology

The study used probability weighted linear regression models to analyze the relationship between self-reported hearing and memory scores.

Participant Demographics

Participants had a mean age of 74.5 years, with 9.4% Black, 8.1% Latino, and 82.5% White.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.05; p < 0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3049

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