Boots Hearingcare Joins Alzheimer’s Research UK to Raise Awareness Of Hearing Loss And Dementia Risk
Nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by tackling 14 modifiable health and lifestyle factors — yet one of the most significant, hearing loss, remains widely overlooked by the British public, according to new research.
A survey by Alzheimer’s Research UK found that just 3% of UK adults identified hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia, despite evidence suggesting that addressing it alone could prevent seven in every 100 dementia cases diagnosed today.
Now, Boots Hearingcare has joined forces with Alzheimer’s Research UK as a Think Brain Health partner, in a bid to close that awareness gap — encouraging people across the UK to protect their hearing health through regular checks and, where prescribed, the consistent use of hearing devices.
The Think Brain Health campaign helps people identify the simple steps they can take to look after their brains to help reduce the risk of developing dementia, such as preventing and managing hearing loss.
Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK and is the leading cause of death nationwide. According to the RNID, more than 18 million people (1 in 3) in the UK live with some form of hearing loss, yet the average Brit with undiagnosed hearing loss waits 10 years before seeking help. Early detection of any hearing concerns is vital, as preventing and managing hearing loss can help protect long-term brain health.
Karen Shepherd, Director of Hearing Health Care Development at Boots Hearingcare said:
“The importance of hearing health is often overlooked with people simply turning up the TV or radio louder, yet it plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing, including brain health. At Boots Hearingcare, we regularly see people delay seeking support for years without realising the wider impact.
“If hearing loss isn’t treated, it can make it harder to connect with others, talk comfortably, and stay involved in daily life. Over time, this can lead to feeling more isolated and may contribute to a decline in thinking and memory skills. While hearing loss is one of the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, it is also one of the most manageable. Through our partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, we want to encourage people to have regular hearing checks and take early action to stay connected, maintain independence and protect their long-term health. If you’ve noticed changes in your own or a loved one’s hearing, booking a free hearing test is a simple first step.”
Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we are committed to revolutionising the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented. Taking care of hearing health is a practical and effective way to look after brain health and help reduce dementia risk. Evidence shows that looking after hearing through regular hearing tests and using hearing devices when recommended, could help reduce the number of dementia cases.
“Despite this, awareness of the link between hearing loss and dementia remains low. That’s why Alzheimer’s Research UK is delighted to join forces with Boots Hearingcare to change this and transform public awareness. As a Think Brain Health campaign partner, they are joining our movement to drive positive change for brain health.”
Joining Boots Hearingcare and Alzheimer’s Research UK to raise awareness is three-time Emmy Award winner Susan Hampshire CBE, best known for her roles in Monarch of the Glen and The Forsyte Saga. Susan has experienced first-hand the devastating impact dementia can have. Her husband, Sir Eddie Kulukundis, lived with the condition for ten years, during which time Susan gave up her career to become his full-time carer. Sir Eddie died in February 2021, aged 88. Following his death, Susan fundraised for Alzheimer’s Research UK in his memory and has raised over £1 million to support the charity’s search for a cure.
Susan is now helping to raise awareness that it is never too early or too late to take action, encouraging others to think proactively about both their overall health and hearing health.
Susan explains, “In the early stages of dementia, symptoms can be very subtle and easy to overlook. For Eddie, it began with a gradual loss of interest in reading – something he had always loved.
“Awareness of the link between hearing loss and dementia is still very low, but looking after your hearing is a simple step you can take to help protect your long-term brain health. I believe hearing should be tested regularly, just like any other part of our health. Without good hearing, people can begin to lose social connection, which we know plays an important role in reducing the risk of dementia. If you have any concerns, it’s important to have your hearing checked and to use a hearing device if one is prescribed, so you can stay connected to the people you love and the world around you.”
