Abstract

Dual sensory impairment (DSI) is the concurrent impairment of hearing and vision. DSI is linked to an increased risk of depression, loneliness, anxiety, social isolation, accelerated cognitive impairment, cognitive decline and dementia. The fear of dementia is huge. However, fear of a particular disease may actually prevent people from seeking a diagnosis.1 In general cancer (34%) and dementia (29%) are the two most feared diseases but for people 65+ years, dementia is the most feared. Therefore, preventing or delaying dementia is extremely important and is highly correlated with early and effective treatment of vision and hearing problems. Unfortunately, these correlations are not well-known or recognized by professionals or the public.2

Keywords

brain injury, hearing loss