WEARING

a hearing aid may delay dementia by slowing ageing of the brain by eight years, according to a study conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School. Social isolation is linked to increased dementia rates, but there may also be a biological explanation. It has been suggested sensory nerves connected to hearing stop working properly if they are not stimulated. This creates a cascade effect, which triggers damage in other parts of the brain. So if you know anyone suffering from deafness, encourage them to get help. You could be helping them to sta stave off dementia.