Sensory impairments and cognitive decline in older adults: A review from a population-based perspective
Zhenxu Xiao, Wanqing Wu, Qianhua Zhao, Jiayi Zhang, Zhen Hong, Ding Ding
Abstract
As the population ages, cognitive decline has become a severe public health issue. Meanwhile, sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, olfactory dysfunction, and ophthalmological disorders, are common in older adults, and all these conditions can significantly impact social and psychological function and quality of life. There is evidence indicating that olfactory impairment is an early manifestation while hearing and vision loss may be risk factors for different types of dementias, including the most common dementia, Alzheimer's disease. This review explores the strength of relationships between auditory, olfactory, visual, and cognitive impairments from a population-based perspective. It provides insights into both the pathogenesis and the future directions of dementia research.