Impact of single and dual sensory impairments on cognitive function and psychological well-being among older adults in Upper Egypt

Background

Dual sensory impairment (DSI), involving both vision and hearing loss, is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to poor psychological health and cognitive decline in older adults. However, evidence from resource-limited settings, such as Upper Egypt, remains scarce.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the associations between single and dual sensory impairments and cognitive function, depression, anxiety, and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults in Upper Egypt.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 adults aged ≥60 years attending ophthalmology and audiology clinics at Sohag University Hospital. Validated tools were used to assess depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15, GDS-15), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), loneliness (University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, UCLA-LS), and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Among participants, 52 % had vision impairment, 21 % had hearing impairment, and 27 % reported dual sensory loss. A high prevalence of adverse psychological and cognitive outcomes was observed: 81.3 % reported moderate to severe depression, 89 % mild to moderate anxiety, 49 % high loneliness, and 80 % cognitive impairment. Dual sensory impairment was significantly associated with worse psychological outcomes (p<.001), but no significant differences in cognitive scores were found across sensory impairment types.

Conclusions

Dual sensory loss is strongly associated with increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness among older adults in Upper Egypt. These findings underscore the critical need for integrated screening and targeted intervention strategies within geriatric care, especially in underserved regions like Upper Egypt, to improve the well-being of this vulnerable population.