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Hearing Loss, Brain Structure, Cognition, and Dementia Risk in the Framingham Heart Study
Francis B Kolo1, Sophia Lu2, Alexa S Beiser2,3,4
1Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
JAMA Network Open
|November 5, 2025
Summary
Midlife hearing loss is linked to reduced brain volume, faster decline in executive function, and increased dementia risk. This suggests hearing loss may be an early indicator of brain aging and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Understanding the link between hearing loss and brain health is crucial for developing preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hearing loss and changes in brain structure, cognitive function, and the incidence of dementia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving participants from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Study.
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cognitive assessments, and dementia incidence tracking were utilized.
- Statistical analyses included multivariable linear regressions and Cox proportional hazards regression.
Main Results:
- Mild or greater hearing loss correlated with smaller brain volumes and executive function decline.
- Participants with at least slight hearing loss showed increased white matter hyperintensity volume and a higher risk of dementia.
- The dementia risk associated with hearing loss was particularly pronounced in individuals with at least one apolipoprotein E ε4 allele.
Conclusions:
- Midlife hearing loss is associated with adverse brain changes and an elevated risk of dementia.
- Hearing loss may serve as an early marker for brain aging and dementia risk.
- Interventions targeting hearing loss could potentially mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risk.
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