New research has uncovered an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment among individuals with a form of hearing impairment called central hearing loss. The findings suggest that this form of hearing loss may have a neurodegeneration-related mechanism at its root.
Age is a significant risk factor for hearing loss. Worldwide, a third of seniors have a disabling form of hearing loss.
A new study — led by Rodolfo Sardone, of the NIH and University of Bari in Italy — examines the link between a form of age-related hearing loss and the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a type of cognitive decline that although noticeable is not significant enough to interfere with daily activities. Research shows that between 15 and 20 percent of those aged 65 and above are likely to have MCI, which is also a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Sardone and his colleagues examined more than 1,600 people who participated in the Great Age Study, and the researchers’ findings were presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 70th annual meeting.
From Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321050.php