Hidden dangers: Does multisensory impairments accompanying visual impairment increase dementia risk

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research Vol. 174; pp. 275 - 282
• Main Authors: Shi, Xiaojuan, Wu, Yueping, wang, Huihui, He, Xiaoxue, Zhang, Xue, Pu, Lining, Pan, Degong, Li, Jiangping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cognitive Dysfunction - epidemiology; Cognitive Dysfunction - etiology; Cognitive Dysfunction - physiopathology; Cognitive function; Cohort Studies; Dementia; Dementia - epidemiology; Female; Hearing Loss - complications; Hearing Loss - epidemiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multisensory impairment; United Kingdom - epidemiology; Vision Disorders - epidemiology; Visual impairment; United Kingdom; Multisensory impairment; Cognitive function; Visual impairment; Dementia
• ISSN: 0022-3956; 1879-1379; 1879-1379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.041

Growing evidence suggests that sensory impairment, particularly in the form of visual impairment, may contribute to the development of dementia. However, it remains unclear whether experiencing concurrent visual impairment in combination with other types of multisensory impairments may further increase this risk. The study used data from the UK Biobank cohort study, which recruited 500,000 adults. With meticulous screening procedures in place, individuals with visual impairment, hearing impairment, and oral health issues were identified for further follow-up evaluations. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and cognitive function. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and dementia risk. Subjects experiencing multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment demonstrated a negative association with cognitive function. Notably, individuals who have both vision and hearing impairments had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia (HR 1.28, 95% CI [1.01–1.63]). Additionally, individuals who experience vision impairment and oral health issues simultaneously were also at higher risk for dementia (HR 1.61, 95% CI [1.32–1.97]). Furthermore, the risk of dementia among individuals with vision impairment, hearing impairment, and oral health issues further escalated to an even higher level (HR 1.63, 95% CI [1.19–2.24]). The correlation between the presence of multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment and cognitive decline is highly significant. Those with multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment are at a significantly increased risk of developing dementia. •Cognitive decline is associated with multisensory impairmentsaccompanying visual impairment.•Multisensory impairments concurrent with visual impairment increases dementia risk.•Multisensory assessment strategies including visual acuity could help identify high-risk dementia individuals.