By Charlotte Smith

Copyright walesonline

Today (21 September) is World Alzheimer’s Day, and Boots Hearingcare is encouraging the public to take a simple step to safeguard their hearing and brain health: get a hearing check. Untreated hearing loss is now acknowledged as the most significant preventable risk factor for dementia. However, millions of people in the UK delay seeking help. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK , if everyone took measures to prevent or manage hearing loss, there would be seven fewer cases of dementia for every 100 people who develop it now. More than 18 million people (one in three) in the UK live with some form of hearing loss. Yet, many wait an average of 10 years before seeking help , with approximately three million living with untreated hearing loss. Meanwhile, dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, and is the primary cause of death nationwide , according to the Office for National Statistics. Few people realise that the two could be connected. The Lancet Commission on dementia identified midlife hearing loss as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia – more than smoking, social isolation, or lack of exercise, reports the Express . The study published in The Lancet found that tackling issues like hearing loss, depression, and insufficient physical activity might help prevent about 35% of dementia cases. Keeping homocysteine levels in check through vitamin B and other methods could also lead to even more reductions. The 2020 Lancet Commission report estimated that roughly 8% of dementia cases. This equates to about 1 in 12 cases, which could be attributed to hearing impairment. The report identified 12 modifiable risk factors that could potentially prevent or delay around 40% of dementia cases. These factors span a person’s lifetime and include aspects such as childhood education, maintaining good hearing and vision, reducing high blood pressure and alcohol intake, avoiding head injuries, managing depression, and addressing air pollution as one ages. Further research indicated that people with a heightened risk of cognitive decline who also used hearing aids had a 48% lower risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Living with untreated hearing loss puts additional strain on the brain, making it more difficult to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. Over time, this increased cognitive load can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and diminished wellbeing. By reducing listening effort, hearing aids make it easier to stay engaged, connected, and active. Using hearing aids to prevent and treat hearing loss might lower the risk of dementia, which is a major modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Research indicates that tackling hearing loss could either delay or prevent dementia, possibly by minimising brain atrophy, reducing social isolation, and lightening the cognitive load on the brain. It’s advisable for middle-aged and older adults to have regular hearing tests to identify any hearing issues early. Karen Shepherd, Director of Hearing Health Care Development at Boots Hearingcare , explained: “There is a lot of talk and emerging evidence about the association with hearing loss and dementia; however, there is currently no strong evidence to suggest one causes the other. What we do know is that hearing aids have no negative impact on cognition and using hearing technology to hear well can have a profound, positive effect on quality of life.” Karen went on to say: “We often see patients who’ve been struggling with hearing loss for years. They begin to withdraw socially, lose confidence, and in some cases are even misdiagnosed with early cognitive decline. But once they’re fitted with hearing aids, it’s like their world opens up again. “They’re more engaged, more connected, and often their families notice real improvements in mood, memory and communication. It’s not just about hearing better, it’s about living better.” Boots Hearingcare is urging everyone aged over 50 to consider hearing assessments as routine health monitoring – similar to vision examinations or blood pressure screenings. Specialists are also encouraging people to speak with elderly relatives who might be displaying indicators of hearing difficulties – including increasing television volume, requesting repetition, or avoiding conversations – and to assist them in getting professional support. Boots Hearingcare provides complimentary hearing assessments at over 400 sites throughout the UK. A standard hearing test usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, but the actual time can vary based on the tests being done, the patient’s age, and if it’s a first-time visit or a follow-up. The session might start with a chat with the audiologist, followed by a physical check of the ears, and several tests, like pure tone audiometry, which can take as little as 15 minutes. Meanwhile, a promising 10-15-minute approach for warding off dementia might involve the SAGE test (Simple At-Home Screening for Alzheimer’s and Dementia), which is accessible for individuals aged over 50. It ought to be combined with a blood examination to assess homocysteine concentrations and address risk elements, including hearing impairment. A declaration regarding the assessment on SAGE’s website states: “You may want to take SAGE if you are concerned that you might have cognitive issues. Or you may wish to have your family or friends take the test if they are having memory or thinking problems. “The difficulties listed can be early signs of cognitive and brain dysfunchow long tion. While dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can lead to these symptoms, there are many other treatable disorders that also may cause these signs. “It is normal to experience some memory loss and to take longer to recall events as you age. But if the changes you are experiencing are worrying you or others around you, SAGE can be a helpful tool to assess if further evaluation is necessary.” The SAGE assessment was created by Dr Scharre , MD, who serves as a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre. Dr Scharre devised SAGE to tackle a considerable void in early identification of cognitive difficulties. No specialised apparatus is required for SAGE – simply a pen and paper. Four versions of the SAGE assessment exist. You need only complete one. It makes no difference which version you select; they are all equivalent. Based on your score, your GP may arrange further tests or keep it on record to monitor any future changes. Regrettably, many individuals delay seeking help for these symptoms for years. There are numerous treatable causes for cognitive decline, and sometimes medications or other treatments can be highly effective—especially if they’re started when the symptoms first appear. Bear in mind that SAGE isn’t designed to diagnose any specific condition. The SAGE test won’t prevent dementia, and the results won’t inform you if you have Alzheimer’s, mini-strokes, or any other disorders. However, they can assist your doctor in determining if you require further evaluation. The test can help detect early signs, which could lead to earlier intervention.