AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS, LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION, AND RISK FOR INCIDENT DEMENTIA IN OLDER ADULTS. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golub, Justin; Brewster, Katharine; Hu, Mei-Chen; Zilcha-Mano, Sigal; Brown, Patrick; Wall, Melanie; Roose, Steven; Rutherford, Bret
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.972
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: The interrelationships between hearing loss (HL), depression, and dementia remain poorly understood. 8529 participants ≥60 years without cognitive impairment were analyzed from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center uniform dataset. Participants had no HL, untreated HL, or treated HL. Outcomes included depression (15-item GDS≥5) and dementia conversion. A longitudinal logistic model examined the association between HL and changes in depressive symptoms. Cox proportional hazards models examined HL and incident dementia. Treated HL (vs no HL) had increased risk for depression (OR=1.26, 95%CI=1.04-1.54) and dementia conversion (HR=1.29; 1.03-1.62). Baseline depression was a strong independent predictor for dementia conversion (HR=2.32, 1.77-3.05). Development/persistence of depression was also associated with dementia (HR=1.89, 1.47-2.42), but only accounted for 6% of the direct hearing-dementia relationship suggesting no significant mediation of depression. In conclusion, both HL and depression are independent risk factors for dementia conversion. Understanding the mechanisms linking these later-life disorders may identify targets for early interventions.