According to a new study, maintaining healthy habits over time can help delay the development of dementia, even in people with hearing impairments. A group of researchers from University College London found that individuals with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids may experience dementia several years earlier than those who regularly wear them, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to FBC.net.ua.
The study analyzed data from over 437,000 individuals aged 40 to 69 who participated in the UK Biobank. The results indicate that using a hearing aid can delay the onset of dementia symptoms by approximately five years. It was also found that a combination of healthy habits — such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption — plays an important role in preserving cognitive health.
Researchers assessed how lifestyle and hearing influence the development of dementia. People were divided into groups based on how closely they adhered to healthy lifestyle principles and whether they had hearing problems. Among those with a healthy lifestyle and no hearing loss, dementia typically manifested at the age of 78.5. For people with the same habits but with hearing impairments — at 74.5 years. Those with an unhealthy lifestyle who also did not use a hearing aid experienced the disease as early as 68.5 years.
Scientists emphasize that it is the combination of multiple factors that has the greatest impact. A hearing aid not only improves hearing ability but also helps prevent social isolation, which is often associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. It is known that people isolated from society receive less brain stimulation, which can accelerate degenerative processes.
In addition, the study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in cases of hearing loss. Despite the availability of hearing aids, many people avoid using them due to shame or denial of the problem. However, ignoring hearing disorders can have serious long-term consequences for brain health.
Although the study is observational and does not establish a direct cause and effect, it provides compelling evidence that small changes in everyday life can significantly influence the quality of aging. This is especially relevant for those who already have risk factors such as hearing loss.
Previously, we wrote about how scientists warn of dangerous solar flares.