Dissecting the Interactions of Diabetes Mellitus and Hearing Loss with Cognitive Decline and Dementia

The aging population is increasingly affected by both diabetes mellitus and hearing loss, two conditions that often coexist and can significantly impact quality of life. As the prevalence of diabetes rises with age, so does the incidence of hearing impairment, with both conditions contributing to cognitive decline and functional limitations. The interplay between diabetes, hearing loss, and cognition highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the unique challenges faced by older adults. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the interplay between these three conditions, including mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and microangiopathy.