This Is the No. 1 Risk Factor for Dementia That You Can Actually Prevent, According to a Geriatrician

As we get older, the world gradually starts looking and sounding a little different. Our vision may not be as sharp as it once was, and we may need to hit the “increase volume” button on the remote a few extra times to hear the television. Most people will experience some degree of age-related hearing loss, which usually becomes more apparent over the age of 60, Dr. Stephanie Rogers, a professor of medicine in the division of geriatrics at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, tells TODAY.com. However, hearing problems can begin even earlier in life. And leaving them unaddressed may seriously impact the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline, says Rogers. Longevity Tip of the Day: Address Hearing Loss to Lower Your Risk of Developing Dementia Untreated hearing loss is the No. 1 modifiable risk factor for dementia, says Rogers. Modifiable risk factors are behaviors or exposures that can influence our risk of developing a disease. Unlike non-modifiable risk factors, such as our genetics, these can be changed. Hearing loss typically begins subtly in early adulthood and slowly accrues over decades. “Loud noise damage can start to occur in your teens and 20s,” says Rogers. If you experience noticeable hearing changes or problems during mid-life, it’s time to get checked out. People who develop hearing loss between the ages of 40-65 may have a greater risk for developing dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that affect memory, speech and social abilities. It affects at least 7 million Americans. Why It Matters Hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia in a few different ways, Rogers says. First, it puts a huge cognitive load on the brain. “When one can’t hear as well, the brain expends a lot of energy trying to decode speech. This depletes the reserve available for other cognitive tasks, like the encoding of memories or memory consolidation,” says Rogers. The reduced auditory input may also cause certain parts of the brain to atrophy or weaken because they aren’t being used as much anymore, says Rogers. Sensory deprivation can also reduce neuroplasticity, or our brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. Finally, hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, which is another major risk factor for dementia. “Many people who can’t hear as well start to not participate in conversations or social situations,” says Rogers. It can cause an otherwise outgoing, bubbly person to become more withdrawn. Fortunately, hearing loss can be addressed to help reduce the risk of dementia, Rogers says. How To Get Started First, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of hearing loss. “Usually the first sign is difficulty understanding speech when there is background noise, i.e. in a restaurant,” says Rogers. Sounds may become muffled, you may find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, or needing to turn the radio or television volume higher, per the Mayo Clinic. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a specialist for further testing. “I use the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery guidelines for hearing loss screening,” says Rogers. “Everyone should get screening, whether you notice hearing loss or not, at age 50, then every three to five years until age 65, then every one to three years after age 65,” Rogers adds. Hearing aids are a first-line treatment for age-related hearing loss. “There are over-the-counter versions for patients with mild-to-moderate loss, which can help the majority of people. There are also prescription hearing aids for more severe hearing loss,” Rogers adds. In addition to addressing hearing loss, Rogers recommends other lifestyle habits to promote brain and heart health, which may reduce dementia risk. “Things like controlling cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure ... not smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and consistent exercise are also important.” TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.