Mainstream Media Presentations

Dona Jayakody, PhD, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, discusses potential mechanisms underlying the established link between hearing loss and dementia. There are two types of hearing loss: peripheral and central. Peripheral hearing loss involves damage to cochlear hair cells, leading to reduced sensitivity to auditory input. While the connection between peripheral hearing loss and dementia has been established for some time, it is only recently that diminished central auditory processing has been identified as a precursor to a dementia diagnosis. Central auditory processing occurs in higher cortical regions and is necessary when there are various sources of auditory input, such as in a loud room. Age-related impairments to central auditory processing make it difficult for elderly patients to hear in social contexts, leading to social isolation, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. These are all risk factors for dementia. This could explain the role of hearing loss in dementia progression, although a causal mechanism remains unclear. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.

Dr Dona Jayakody is a world-leading researcher who is pioneering research into the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In this episode, we will talk to Dona about how and why Hearing Loss contributes to cognitive decline, and how we can reduce the risk of dementia as we all get older. This podcast provides information of a general nature and does not constitute medical advice.

Dr Andrew Ford, winner of RPH Research Foundation’s Innovation and Impact Grant, and his collaborator Dr Dona Jayakody discuss the link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. Did you know there’s a link between hearing loss and the development of dementia? Find out about the latest research into this important health issue by watching RPH Research Foundation’s latest video.

Dona Jayakody, PhD, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, talks on the importance of addressing age-related hearing loss. Much remains unknown about the age-related changes of the peripheral and central auditory system and the relationship between hearing loss and pathological cognitive decline and dementia. However, it is clear that early intervention is important. Failure to address hearing impairments promptly can lead to auditory deprivation, fostering changes in the brain's tonotopic organization. Exploring the potential role of hearing treatments in Alzheimer’s disease prevention entails recognizing the preventable nature of hearing loss and advocating for proactive measures to preserve auditory health throughout one's lifespan. This interview took place at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved. "

Hearing impairment, left untreated, increases the risk of anxiety, stress, frailty, and loneliness, all of which serve as significant risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Dona Jayakody, PhD, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, discusses hearing rehabilitation in those at risk of cognitive impairment. Observational data have suggested that hearing loss is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia but currently, there is a lack of randomized, controlled evidence supporting the use of hearing rehabilitation to delay cognitive decline. Therefore, Dr Jayakody and colleagues are running the HearCog trial in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and moderate hearing loss, to see the impact of hearing rehabilitation on cognitive decline over 24 months. They will also investigate the aforementioned contributing factors and assess how they change as a result of hearing rehabilitation. Having recently concluded the 12-month data collection phase, the study will provide deeper insights into the relationship between hearing rehabilitation and cognitive decline in at-risk populations. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.

Dona Jayakody, PhD, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, discusses findings from the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys given to hearing healthcare professionals supporting patients with comorbid hearing loss and cognitive impairment. Surveys found a gap between knowledge and practice, with practices not reflecting the high quality of knowledge. Hearing healthcare professionals do not always feel confident in discussing cognitive function with patients and do not know referral pathways. Findings from these surveys aim to inform training programs to upskill hearing healthcare professionals when supporting patients with dementia. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.

Audiologist Dr Dona Jayakody, from Ear Science Institute Australia, is part of a research team that discovered a link between hearing loss and dementia. Dr Jayakody now aims to determine if wearing hearing aids can prevent, or delay, the onset of dementia in Aboriginal older adults.

Dr Dona Jayakody discusses the impact of untreated hearing loss on healthy ageing as part of the NARI Seminars in Ageing series 2024

Dona Jayakody, PhD, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, speaks on the role of increased cognitive load in the association between hearing loss and dementia. It is well established that hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia, but a causal mechanism remains unclear. One explanation could be enhanced listening effort in individuals with hearing loss, leading to an increased cognitive load. Hearing loss is particularly common with regards to high frequency sounds, meaning individual must ‘fill in’ the auditory information at these pitches. This requires extra effort from the individual, therefore increasing cognitive load. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.