RELATION BETWEEN HYPOACUSIS AND ALZHEIMER’S DEVELOPMENT LATER IN LIFE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Resumo

This comprehensive study examines the intricate relationship between hearing loss, aging, and Alzheimer's disease. Three main mechanisms are explored: cognitive overload, sensory deprivation, and cognitive reserve reduction. The cognitive overload hypothesis suggests that individuals with hearing impairment allocate more cognitive resources to listening, potentially accelerating cognitive decline. The sensory deprivation mechanism proposes that hearing loss contributes to reduced cognitive stimulation, leading to brain atrophy and a decline in cognitive reserve, increasing dementia risk. The study critically analyzes existing research, challenging a straightforward causal link between Alzheimer's and hearing loss, considering confounding factors. It discusses conflicting evidence on the impact of hearing loss on cognitive reserve, emphasizing ongoing debates. The study reviews a prospective Australian cohort using hearing aids, reporting positive outcomes but acknowledging data limitations. In conclusion, it calls for nuanced understanding, recognizing the complexity of the relationship, and advocates for comprehensive randomized clinical trials, highlighting the ongoing ACHIEVE-P trial as a promising avenue for future research.