GP sounds alarm over avoidable cause increasing dementia risk ‘five times’ for more than 18 million Britons

Dementia projections for the coming decades are dire, with estimates published in Nature Medicine suggesting rates may double by 2060.

But taking specific actions could help millions of people lower their risk. Dr Amir Khan explained that the benefits of treating hearing loss and reducing social isolation add up significantly over time.

The British GP warned that when hearing deteriorates, the brain works significantly harder to interpret everyday conversations, leading to brain atrophy.

He told his TikTok followers: “Did you know that hearing loss in midlife is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for dementia? Protecting your ears could protect your brain.”

Dr Khan warned Britons that hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia

GETTY

“Research shows that people with untreated hearing loss are up to four or five times more likely to develop dementia, but it’s not just about what you hear; it’s also about what your brain has to work harder to process.”

The first mechanism linking hearing loss to dementia involves cognitive load, referring to the amount of mental effort required to process information.

“When you can’t hear well, your brain works overtime to decode sound and speech. That extra effort pulls resources away from memory and thinking,” Dr Khan explained.

This constant strain means the brain dedicates its resources to processing sounds instead of other cognitive functions.

“The brain is too busy to hear to actually remember,” added Dr Khan.

The second mechanism involves physical changes to the brain itself, the expert warned, adding: “MRI scans show that people with hearing loss may experience faster brain atrophy, especially in areas involved in memory and language.

“So when the ears go quiet, the brain starts to fade too.”

Unfortunately, complications can worsen over time, as loneliness and social withdrawal compound hearing loss risks.

“Hearing loss often leads to withdrawal from conversations and social life because you can’t hear people talk, and that’s a huge dementia risk,” noted Dr Khan. “Because you can’t hear people talk, and that’s a huge dementia risk.”

Loneliness and lack of mental stimulation are like fuel for cognitive decline

GETTY

“Loneliness and lack of mental stimulation are like fuel for cognitive decline,” Dr Khan said. “If you’re not connecting, you’re not protecting your brain. But there is good news. There is a risk factor we can do something about.

“Get your hearing tested and use hearing aids if needed, remember modern ones are discreet and powerful, and stay socially and mentally active.”

The GP stressed the importance of taking action, as approximately 18 million adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, with more than 50 per cent of the population over 50 affected by the condition, according to Hearing Aid UK.

“Looking after your hearing is looking after your future brain. Don’t ignore hearing loss. It’s not just an ageing thing, it’s a brain health thing too,” noted Dr Khan.

Source link