Not checking one body part 'regularly' increases risk of dementia by 500 per cent

Not checking one body part 'regularly' increases risk of dementia by 500 per cent According to research, leaving the common health issue untreated could increase your risk fivefold Not regularly checking one vital body part could put you at risk of a major health condition. Almost one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, which is about one in every 11 people aged 65 and older who has this condition. The Alzehiemer's Society warns that the number of people impacted by dementia is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040 due to the ageing population. Research shows that your ears play a major part in brain health, and leaving one common health condition, which is linked to the body part, untreated, could lead to an increased risk of dementia, by up to 500% in extreme cases. According to research, untreated hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors for developing dementia. Studies show that the level of hearing loss is closely linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline. Data indicated that people with severe, untreated hearing loss are up to five times more likely to experience dementia than those who have normal hearing. Research by specialists at Johns Hopkins University looked into the connection between hearing loss and brain health. The long-term study spanning more than ten years showed a relationship between auditory health and cognitive behaviour. - Mild hearing loss: Doubles the risk (a 200% increase). - Moderate hearing loss: Triples the risk (a 300% increase). - Severe hearing loss: Increases the risk up to fivefold (a 500% increase). Researchers found that even mild, untreated hearing loss - commonly defined as the inability to hear soft sounds like whispers - can double the risk of being diagnosed with dementia. This risk increases as hearing deteriorates: moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe, untreated hearing loss is linked to a five-fold (500%) greater risk of developing dementia compared to those without hearing impairment. Addressing hearing loss is seen as a major 'modifiable' risk factor for maintaining brain health over time. Research shows that using hearing-restorative devices can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing dementia. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids and cochlear implants is associated with a 19 per cent reduction in the risk of long-term cognitive decline. Why does hearing loss impact the brain? Experts say that when hearing is impaired, the brain has to use far more neural resources for 'effortful listening' and sound interpretation. This increased strain on the brain's processing abilities can drain the cognitive reserves needed for memory, planning, and complex thought. Struggling to follow conversations can often result in social withdrawal. Since social interaction is essential for maintaining brain health, isolation caused by untreated hearing loss can act as an additional factor contributing to cognitive decline. Research, such as the multicenter ACHIEVE trial, has looked into whether addressing hearing loss can help reduce these risks. The ACHIEVE study revealed that for older adults at higher risk of cognitive decline, using hearing aids reduced the rate of decline in thinking and memory skills by 48 per cent over three years. How can you look after your ears, and how often should you get your hearing checked? While hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia, it doesn't mean someone will definitely get it. Experts point out that cognitive health and its decline are influenced by many different factors. That said, detecting hearing issues early and getting help through regular hearing tests and, if needed, using hearing aids are important. To take care of your ears, the NHS recommends keeping the volume at 60% of your device's maximum setting, avoiding inserting cotton buds into your ear canals, using earplugs in noisy places like concerts, and drying your ears thoroughly after swimming to prevent infections. Boots Hearingcare says people should treat their hearing the same way they treat their vision. It advises people to get regular checks with a local audiologist to monitor for early signs of hearing loss. Hearing test frequency depends on your age and risk factors. Below is a general timeline for healthy adults with no symptoms: - Ages 18–40: Every three to five years. - Ages 40–60: Every one to three years. - Ages 60+: Annually (regardless of symptoms). Test annually or more frequently if you: - Are regularly exposed to loud noise. - Have a family history of hearing loss. - Have conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. - Experience symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, or difficulty following conversations. In the UK, free hearing checks are available via Specsavers Hearing or Boots Hearingcare. Consult your GP for sudden changes in hearing or for NHS referrals.