The Lancet Commission lists hearing and vision loss as significant contributors to cognitive decline, with hearing loss emerging as the single largest preventable risk factor for dementia.
While often overlooked, hearing and vision health are two of the most overlooked yet critical ways to protect your brain and prevent dementia. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention (2020) identified midlife hearing loss as the single largest preventable risk factor for dementia. In the revised Lancet Commission report (2024), vision loss in older age has also been recognized as a key contributor to cognitive decline.
Struggling to hear or see clearly doesn’t just affect daily life; it changes how the brain works. “When hearing or vision become impaired, the brain receives less stimulation, which can result in fewer neural connections being formed.” says geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Amer Burhan. “Also, difficulty hearing clearly or seeing well can lead to frustration and withdrawal from social activities, which further harms brain health.”
Your senses do more than connect you to the world; they may be your brain’s best defence. So how can you protect them? Here are four evidence-based strategies to start with:
- Have Your Hearing and Vision Checked Regularly If left unaddressed, even subtle changes in hearing or vision can affect the brain and increase dementia risk. National Institutes of Health research shows that adults with untreated hearing loss experience faster rates of cognitive decline than those with normal hearing. Similarly, vision problems have been linked to higher dementia risk.
- Use Hearing Aids or Corrective Lenses When Recommended Treatment devices (like hearing aids and glasses) don’t just improve hearing or vision – they reduce the “cognitive load” on your brain, freeing up brainpower for other functions. When your senses work properly, your brain can focus on higher-level tasks like memory, problem-solving, and social interaction.
- Protect Your Senses from Damage Prevention is better than cure. Protecting your hearing and vision early on may be one of the most effective ways to keep your mind sharp as you age. Loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage, while UV exposure and eye strain can accelerate vision decline.
- Stay Socially and Visually Engaged When hearing or vision become difficult, many people withdraw from activities and social groups. “Social isolation is a major dementia risk factor,” says Dr. Burhan. Loneliness and reduced social engagement increase the risk of cognitive decline. Staying socially active helps keep the brain stimulated and resilient.
How to do it: Dr. Burhan recommends booking a hearing test every year, especially if you’re over 50. If you notice yourself turning up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, or avoiding noisy places, it may be time to get checked. Likewise, book eye exams every year to monitor for cataracts and simple vision changes that require updated lenses.
How to do it: “If your doctor prescribes hearing aids or glasses, use them consistently, even if they take time to adjust to,” says Dr. Burhan. Stay on top of updating your prescription lenses, and don’t delay addressing treatable conditions like cataracts.
How to do it: Use ear protection at concerts, when using power tools, or in other loud environments. Keep personal headphone volumes moderate. For vision, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays, take regular breaks from screens and manage chronic conditions with your doctor’s guidance.
How to do it: If hearing loss makes conversations challenging, reduce background noise, sit closer to speakers, and always use assistive listening devices. For vision, keep your brain active with activities like reading, puzzles, crafts, art, or watching films and use appropriate glasses to help you see clearly. This includes appropriate reading glasses and glasses that correct vision. Most importantly, don’t avoid social gatherings; adapt instead.
At Amica Senior Lifestyles, we understand the unique needs of seniors and offer a range of services designed to enhance quality of life and foster brain health. For seniors of all abilities, we offer healthy cuisine, engaging social programs to support mind and body health, and thoughtfully designed living spaces where residents and their loved ones can feel connected and at ease. For residents with dementia, Amica offers specialized life enrichment activities and personalized care in a safe and secure environment.
This series was developed in partnership with Dr. Amer Burhan, a renowned geriatric and brain intervention psychiatrist. He’s the Endowed Chair for Applied Mental Health Research at the Ontario Shores Centre of Mental Health Sciences as well as associate professor in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. The doctor is also an adjunct professor at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa as well as at Western University in London, Ontario. He's internationally recognized for his work in cognitive and mental-health research. Learn more about his current research.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for any specific concerns.