The validity of visual and hearing impairment in predicting dementia and cognitive impairment in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 41623425 · doi:10.3389/fnagi.2025.1656686
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis across eight databases (CNKI, Wanfang, Vip, Sinomed, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase) and two clinical trial registries to assess the relationship of visual, hearing, and dual sensory impairment with dementia and cognitive impairment in older adults. Meta-analysis was performed using log-transformed study-specific estimates and assessed with Q-test and I².
What was found
Dual sensory impairment was associated with dementia (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.86) and cognitive impairment (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.54). Visual impairment was associated with dementia (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.48 to 1.74) and cognitive impairment (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.36). Hearing impairment was associated with dementia (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.31) and cognitive impairment (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.65).
Why it matters
This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence identifying sensory impairments—particularly dual sensory impairment—as clear risk factors and potential screening targets for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total number of included studies, total participant sample size, or specific numerical heterogeneity values. As a synthesis of observational associations, it cannot establish causality or determine if sensory loss directly contributes to cognitive decline versus sharing common underlying pathology.