Association Between Sensory Impairment and Dementia: The Roles of Social Network and Leisure Activity

Background: Evidence suggests that sensory impairment is linked to dementia; however, the role of social network and leisure activity in this relationship is unclear. Objective: Examine the association of hearing and visual impairment with dementia, and whether a rich social network and leisure activity moderates this association. Methods: Dementia-free older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (n = 2,579) were followed up for up for a median of 10 years (interquartile range = 6). Visual impairment was assessed with a reading acuity test, and hearing impairment was ascertained via self-report and medical records. Dementia was diagnosed following international criteria. Data on social network and leisure activity was collected via self-report. Hazard ratios (HRs) of dementia risk were derived from Cox regression models. Results: Dual impairment, but not single impairment in hearing and vision was associated with a higher risk of dementia (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.27). Compared to participants with no sensory impairment and a moderate-to-rich social network, those with dual impairment and low social network or leisure activity had higher dementia risk (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.22; HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.22, respectively), whereas participants with dual impairment with a moderate-to-rich social network or leisure activity did not have significantly higher dementia risk (HR; 1.42, 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.33; HR; 1.42, 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.33, respectively). Conclusion: A richer social network and participation in stimulating activities may mitigate the higher dementia risk in older adults with dual impairment in vision and hearing.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between sensory impairment and dementia, and whether social network and leisure activity could moderate this association. The results showed that dual impairment in hearing and vision was associated with a higher risk of dementia. However, having a richer social network and engaging in stimulating activities could help mitigate this risk in older adults with dual impairment.