Associations Between Self-Reported Visual and Hearing Functioning and Cognitive Function Among Hispanics/Latino:...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive decline is a growing concern, particularly in aging populations.
• Visual and hearing impairments are prevalent and potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive health.
• Understanding these associations in diverse populations like Hispanic/Latinos is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between self-reported visual functioning (VF) and hearing functioning with cognitive performance.
• To investigate these associations within the Hispanic/Latino population, a group with unique health considerations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 1,056 participants aged 45+ in the Miami Ocular Study of Latinos.
• Assessed cognitive function using tests like DSST, Word Fluency, and B-SEVLT recall.
• Measured VF with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and hearing with HHIA/E-S, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

• Impaired self-reported visual functioning (NEI-VFQ scores) was significantly associated with poorer performance on three cognitive tests.
• A 4-point decrease in NEI-VFQ scores correlated with significant differences in DSST, Word Fluency, and B-SEVLT recall.
• Self-reported hearing function (HHIA/E-S) showed no association with any cognitive measures.

Conclusions:

• Impaired visual functioning is associated with worse cognitive outcomes in the Hispanic/Latino population.
• Self-reported hearing function may not accurately reflect hearing loss's impact on cognition in this demographic.
• Visual and hearing impairments are treatable risk factors that may help preserve cognitive function in Hispanics/Latinos.