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Dementia Action Week 2025: Understanding the Vital Link Between Hearing Loss, Vision Impairment, and Dementia
Posted: 19/05/2025
As we mark Dementia Action Week 2025, it's an opportune moment to delve into how addressing sensory health—particularly hearing and vision—can play a pivotal role in reducing dementia risk. Building upon our September 2023 blog, recent research has further illuminated the connections between uncorrected hearing and vision issues and cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Hearing Loss and Dementia: What’s the Link?
Our earlier blog referenced two key studies: the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the UK Biobank study published in The Lancet. These highlighted how mild uncorrected hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, whilst if severe it can increase the risk up to fivefold.
Recent research continues to support these findings. A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (January 2024) analysed over 500,000 participants and found that people with untreated hearing loss had a much higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those using hearing aids had similar dementia risk levels as those with normal hearing.
A 2024 study in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy used genetic data to show a causal relationship between uncorrected hearing loss and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia. The study also linked uncorrected hearing loss to reduced cognitive performance and problem-solving ability.
Vision Impairment and Dementia: A Growing Concern
In addition to hearing loss, uncorrected vision impairment has emerged as a significant risk factor for dementia. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology (September 2024) by Johns Hopkins University suggests that addressing vision impairments could prevent up to 19% of dementia cases in older adults. The study found that individuals over 70 with uncorrected vision problems had a higher incidence of dementia, highlighting the importance of regular eye examinations and corrective measures.
Moreover, a study in The Lancet identified untreated vision loss as a modifiable risk factor for dementia. The study emphasizes that over 90% of vision impairments are preventable or correctable through glasses, contacts, surgery, or medication, underscoring the potential impact of addressing vision health on dementia prevention.
Expert Comments and Charity Perspectives
Leading voices in hearing and dementia care have responded to these developments. Professor Gill Livingston, one of the authors of The Lancet’s Commission on Dementia Prevention, said:
“This large population study adds further evidence for the relationship between hearing loss and increased dementia risk, and raises an important public health message regarding the potential for hearing aids to mitigate this risk.”
Meanwhile, charities such as Action on Hearing Loss and the Alzheimer’s Society have renewed calls for routine hearing and vision tests for over-55s as part of dementia risk reduction strategies. They stress that addressing any sensory impairment early may help people stay socially connected, mentally active, and independent for longer.
Why Sensory Care Matters Now More Than Ever
Despite this growing body of evidence, access to hearing and vision care in the UK remains inconsistent. According to a report by the charity Chime, audiology services are "dysfunctional" in some areas, with waiting lists exceeding 26,000 people. This delay may prevent thousands from receiving the early intervention that could help protect their brain health.
At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we believe in a proactive approach. We offer free hearing tests and both NHS and private sight tests designed to identify impairments early and offer practical, effective solutions—including high-quality digital hearing aids and corrective eyewear.
Take Action This Dementia Action Week
If you or a loved one have noticed signs of hearing or vision loss—such as difficulty following conversations or using subtitles, turning up the TV, or withdrawing from social activities—it’s time to act.
🧠 Protect your brain health
👂 Take a free online hearing test
📍 Come and see us at your local Rawlings branch
Early action could help reduce your risk of dementia and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait—let’s take steps together this Dementia Action Week.
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