45% of Dementia Cases are Preventable
Discover the 12 health conditions that increase your risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and dementia, and what you can do about it.
"Autoimmune Disease may increases dementia risk by 35%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs chronic inflammation is impacting your brain.
"Depression can increases dementia risk by 97%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs emotional strain is impacting your brain.
"Diabetes increases dementia risk by 50%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs your blood sugar is impacting your brain.
"Chronic kidney disease increases dementia risk by 35%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs systemic inflammation is impacting your brain.
"Many Neurodegenerative Disorders can double your dementia risk
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs neurologic disease is affecting your brain.
"Midlife obesity can increase dementia risk by 33%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs metabolic strain is impacting your brain.
"Sleeping ≤ 6 hours per night increases dementia risk by 30%"
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs poor sleep is stressing your brain.
"Smoking increases your risk of dementia 60-80%"
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs vascular damage from smoking is affecting your brain.
"Hypothyroidism increases dementia risk by 81%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs hormonal imbalance is affecting your brain.
"A history of TBI can double your dementia risk."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs prior head trauma is affecting your brain.
"Vision Impairment increases dementia risk by 47%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs sensory decline is stressing your brain.
"Hypertension can increase dementia risk by 60%."
Hearing loss and tinnitus may be early signs high blood pressure is affecting your brain.
By Dr. Keith N. Darrow, Ph.D., CCC-A, CDP — Harvard Medical & M.I.T. Trained Neuroscientist & Certified Dementia Practitioner
Comorbidities FAQs
What does "45% of dementia cases are preventable" mean?
Research published in The Lancet identified 12 modifiable health and lifestyle factors that, when addressed, could prevent or significantly delay nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide. This means that dementia is not entirely inevitable — the choices you make about your health today directly impact your brain tomorrow.
What are the 12 comorbidities and why do they matter?
The 12 conditions featured on this page — including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and hearing loss — have all been scientifically linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and dementia. Managing these conditions isn’t just good for your body. It’s essential for protecting your brain.
What is the connection between hearing loss and dementia?
Hearing loss is the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia — larger than smoking, physical inactivity, or high blood pressure. When the brain is deprived of sound input, it works harder to process incomplete signals, leaving fewer cognitive resources for memory and thinking. Treating hearing loss reduces that strain and helps preserve brain function over time.
Do I need to have a hearing problem to benefit from a hearing evaluation?
No. Many people with clinically significant hearing loss don’t realize they have it. A comprehensive hearing evaluation does more than measure what you can hear — it assesses how well your auditory system and brain are working together. If you have any of the 12 conditions listed on this page, a hearing evaluation should be part of your preventative health plan.
Your Brain Health Starts With Your Hearing
The connection between hearing loss and dementia is no longer a theory, it’s science. If you or someone you love is living with any of the 12 health conditions listed above, a comprehensive hearing evaluation isn’t just recommended. It’s essential.
Our certified Hearing Plus Audiology providers are trained to treat the whole patient, not just the ears. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your brain for the long term.