HEARING aids help slash the risk of dementia, campaigners say.
They stop people who have trouble hearing withdrawing from conversation and social occasions — known to raise the risk of the condition.
Having to concentrate on listening because of hearing loss is also thought to be a factor.
Up to 40 per cent of cases are linked to preventable causes, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
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Dr Sarah Bauermeister, of Oxford University, said addressing hearing loss could help slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s.
She said: “Four to five risk factors for dementia could be addressed with hearing aid use.”
Professor Jonathan Schott, chief medical officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said only 30 per cent of people know there is something that they can do to individually reduce their risks
He said: "There are some people who are genetically destined to develop dementia, but we know now that up to 40 per cent of worldwide dementia risk is potentially modifiable.
"And we now are developing a rational evidence base of at least 12 modifiable and potentially modifiable risk factors.
"It's vital that we do all that we can, as individuals and society, to reduce our risk."