Neurologist Reveals Silent Problem That Significantly Increases Dementia Risk
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Neurologist Dr. Baibing Cheng highlights hearing loss as a significantly overlooked risk factor for dementia.
- He advises that even mild hearing impairment can increase dementia risk, recommending hearing checks and aids if necessary.
- Other key preventative strategies include prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep, maintaining social connections, learning new skills, and protecting the head from injury.
Neurologist Dr. Baibing Cheng, also known as Dr. Bing, has identified hearing loss as a major, yet often ignored, risk factor for dementia. He emphasizes that addressing hearing issues, even mild ones, is crucial not just for auditory function but for maintaining overall brain health and engagement.
Dr. Cheng explained in a TikTok video that dementia is not solely an age-related condition, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce risk, with studies suggesting up to 45% of cases are preventable. Beyond common advice like exercise and diet, he pointed to several less-discussed strategies for brain protection.
"If you have hearing problems, don't wait to get them checked and consider hearing aids if needed. It's about more than just hearing; it's about keeping your brain engaged and active," Dr. Cheng stated. He stressed that maintaining social interaction is also vital, as isolation is a known risk factor. Regular contact with friends, family, and the community helps keep the mind sharp.
Furthermore, the neurologist recommended prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as sleep is essential for the brain's detoxification and repair processes. He also advised engaging in continuous learning, such as acquiring a new language or musical skill, to create new neural connections and combat cognitive decline. Finally, protecting the head from injury was cited as a critical measure, as head trauma can substantially increase dementia risk.
Ako imate problema sa sluhom, nemojte ฤekati s provjerom i razmislite o sluลกnim aparatima ako je potrebno. Radi se o viลกe od samog sluha, radi se o odrลพavanju vaลกeg mozga angaลพiranim i aktivnim.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.