A team from the University of Geneva analyzed data from 33,000 Europeans over 50 to assess the impact of hearing loss on dementia risk. Every two years, participants shared information about their lifestyle and social activity, and also completed memory and thinking tests. The study results were published on the university's website.
Observations showed that hearing loss combined with loneliness significantly increased the risk of cognitive decline. Importantly, this refers to the subjective feeling of loneliness reported by the participants. No such increased risk was observed in people experiencing social isolation without loneliness.
The authors emphasize that the findings highlight the need for preventative measures for individuals in this risk group. For example, simply using a hearing aid may be sufficient to engage a person in social life, potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
Previously, other scientists analyzed the link between loneliness and increased mortality risk, but the study did not confirm this hypothesis. The findings were based on an analysis of data from more than 380,000 people.
