Women with hearing loss show increased dementia risk and brain atrophy

Abstract

Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, it is unknown whether risk differs by sex. Study 1 used Cox proportional hazard models to examine sex differences in the association between hearing loss (measured by speech-reception thresholds) and dementia risk. Study 2 examined how 2-year changes in hearing is associated with changes in brain volume in auditory–limbic regions. Both studies used UK Biobank data. Women with poor hearing had the greatest risk of dementia, whereas women and men with insufficient hearing were at similar risk. Men with poor hearing did not have increased risk. Presence of social isolation/depressed mood minimally contributed to dementia risk in men and women. Women, but not men, with hearing loss had greater atrophy in auditory and limbic regions compared to normal hearing women and men. Women with hearing loss show greater risk of dementia and brain atrophy, highlighting the need to examine sex-specific mechanisms.