Subjective hearing and memory problems are associated with dementia and cognition in later life.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Subjective hearing and memory problems are detectable earlier than objective measures of sensory loss and cognitive decline, which are known to be related to an increased risk of dementia in later life.

Methods

Using a population-representative cohort of 6006 individuals (aged 50-75) we examined whether participants who self-reported hearing and short-term memory issues showed greater rates of dementia within 17 years of follow-up. A sub-cohort was tested for audiometric threshold and cognition after 14 years.

Results

Hearing and memory problems were associated with a greater risk of dementia (hazard ratios [HRs] = 1.42 [95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.81], 1.57 [1.30-1.90]), and poorer cognition 14 years later. The risk was greatest in those reporting bo

SUBMITTER: Stevenson-Hoare J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11247363 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature