Presented by Jim Pankow, PhD, MPH
Professor
Division of Epidemiology & Community Health
University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Sensory impairments (hearing, vision, and olfaction) become increasingly common as people age, impacting quality of life and independence in older adults. However, there have been relatively few longitudinal studies focusing on the epidemiology of these conditions. This seminar will highlight several decades of research from population-based cohort studies conducted in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, which have identified important links between sensory disorders and atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These findings suggest that CVD and sensory disorders share some underlying etiologic pathways, and interventions to reduce CVD or its risk factors may have additional sensory benefits. Interestingly, recent observational research finds that each of these sensory disorders is independently associated with more rapid decline in cognitive function in older adults. This seminar will introduce the design of the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) randomized trial, which is testing whether treatment of one type of sensory impairment (mild to moderate hearing loss) can reduce rates of cognitive decline in men and women 70-84 years of age.

All faculty, staff, and students welcome!