3564: The Connection Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk & Brain Health

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[00:01:01] It's another Q&A edition of Optimal Health Daily, and I'm Dr. Neal Malik, your host of the show. Welcome back to another Friday show where I answer your questions. On all the other days, I read health and fitness blogs to you, kind of like an ongoing audiobook, and with permission from the authors, of course. Now, I'll let you know how you can send in your own question at the end of the show and get rewarded for sending in your question, but for now, let's get right to it and start optimizing your life.

[00:01:33] Today's question came via email. Mandy writes, Hello, Dr. Neil. Long-time listener here. I found this podcast when I was 16, when it was recommended by my favorite YouTuber. Now, I'm 25 and reaping the rewards of listening to your podcast during such a young and impressionable age. I'm a speech-language pathologist specializing in adult, neurogenic, and neurodegenerative diseases.

[00:01:56] My question is, why does untreated hearing loss appear to increase dementia risk, and what happens in the brain when hearing loss goes untreated? Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to send in your question, Mandy, and for being such a long-time listener. I appreciate you. You're right that there is a connection between hearing loss and increased risk of developing dementia. Some well-designed, long-term studies have found this to be the case.

[00:02:24] But let's first make sure we're clear about what the term dementia is referring to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, dementia is a condition that leads to issues with memory, the ability to think clearly, or making everyday decisions. Now, an example of difficulty making everyday decisions would be something like getting lost in a familiar area. But again, that's not the only symptom.

[00:02:51] Issues with memory and the ability to think clearly are also common. So, dementia is technically not a disease, and it's not a normal part of the aging process. So then, how is dementia different from Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. And this is because there are other forms of dementia. For example, there's a form called vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is less common than Alzheimer's disease,

[00:03:20] but this happens when blood vessels in the brain become damaged because of a stroke, or having high blood pressure for years, or having uncontrolled diabetes. Vascular, just as a fancy way of saying vessels or blood vessels. Then, there's yet another form of dementia, Lewy body dementia. This is caused by proteins called Lewy bodies that develop in the brain. These Lewy body proteins interfere with brain chemistry and contribute to dementia-like symptoms.

[00:03:50] There are some other types, but I think we get the idea. So, back to Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Just how common is it? Again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that nearly 7 million adults in the U.S. are experiencing Alzheimer's disease. They also state that, based on what we know about the causes of dementia, about half of the cases can be prevented or delayed. How? Well, it goes back to what we talk about on this podcast all the time.

[00:04:20] A mostly whole diet that's made up of 5-9 combined servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and healthy fats, regular exercise, healthy sleep patterns, managing stress, and having an active social life. But then there's this other factor. Hearing loss. The World Health Organization estimates that, globally, about 5% of the population has some form of hearing loss. This means we're talking about 430 million people.

[00:04:48] So, how does hearing loss increase a person's risk for developing dementia? Well, scientists aren't quite sure, but they have some theories. One theory is that hearing loss translates to less information the brain ends up receiving, specifically information in the forms of speech and language. In turn, over time, this loss of information somehow changes brain structure and its ability to function, which increases dementia risk.

[00:05:15] Another theory is that, because those experiencing hearing loss have to focus so much of their attention on listening, they're unable to focus on much else. Then, because so much of the brain's energy is focused on listening, the brain becomes exhausted. So, their ability to focus on anything beyond just listening may increase dementia risk. Then there's yet another theory that sound somehow affects the part of the brain

[00:05:43] that's most responsible for learning and memory, the hippocampus. And finally, there's the social isolation aspect of all of this. We know that less social support and loneliness increase the risk for several diseases and conditions. Dementia is one of those. So, if hearing loss increases social isolation, then that social isolation may increase dementia risk. All of this to say that, at this time,

[00:06:10] scientists aren't quite sure exactly how hearing loss contributes to the increased risk of dementia. It's possible that one or all of the mechanisms I just described contribute. It's hard to know for sure. But here's what we can say. If we want to lower our risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, then here are some suggestions. Consume a mostly whole diet that's made up of 5 to 9 combined servings of fruits and vegetables each day and healthy fats.

[00:06:38] Incorporate regular exercise, healthy sleep patterns, manage stress effectively, and have an active social life. And then, let's add this to the list. Protect your hearing. Shaq here. What's it like to buy a car from Carvana 100% online and get it delivered to your door? Let me tell you. Your car is here, Mr. Shaq. Thank you, Mr. Carvana guy. Can't wait to take it for a spin. Only the best for you, Mr. Shaq.

[00:07:07] Hey, have you always been so big, tall, and handsome? Not always. I was 6'10 once. Seven days to love it or return it, Mr. Shaq. Not that I would. You never do. No, I never do. So buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply. See our 7-day return policy at Carvana.com. Pink Panther is here. Coach and Spotify are teaming up to bring music and style together, and they want you to be part of it. Grab your friends and head to the Tabby Tour, hitting cities around the country with live performances from special artists,

[00:07:37] exclusive experiences, and personalized products. And discover custom playlists on Spotify, built just for you based on who you are and how you listen. Live your story with Coach. Learn more at Coach.com. Thank you again for taking the time to send in your question, Mandy, and for being such a long-time listener. Now, if you send your questions in, and if you're in the U.S., we'll physically mail you a copy of our 216-page hardcover workbook,

[00:08:06] totally free, as long as we have some left. If you're outside of the U.S., we're happy to provide an electronic version. You can email a question to health at oldpodcast.com. That's health at oldpodcast.com. Or, if you want your voice played on the show, come by oldpodcast.com slash ask. Lastly, you can do it the old-fashioned way and call in your question. The number is 1-61-ILOVE-OHD.

[00:08:36] That's 1-614-568-3643. All right, that'll do it for today. Thank you for listening every day and all the way through, and I'll see you back here tomorrow, where your optimal life awaits.