What do you know about Alzheimer’s Disease? If you’ve had a loved one that has dealt with this condition, then you know how devastating it can be. This and every September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a global campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International to raise awareness, address misconceptions, and address the stigma of dementia head on.
Understanding Dementia
When people have a better understanding of dementia, they have more ideas of what is happening, risk factors and ways to delay or prevent it all together. Dementia is a grouping of neurogenerative diseases classified by the decline of two or more cognitive functions such as memory, ability to complete everyday tasks, and social interaction. Alzheimer’s Disease is by far the most common form of dementia, making up 70-80 percent of all cases. It often starts as small glitches in short term memory and can progress into the loss of long term memories, recognizing people in your life, and the loss of competing everyday tasks as basic as feeding yourself and brushing your teeth.
First identified by French physician Alois Alzheimer’s, he identified similarities in the corpes of older patients who displayed similar behaviors previously. These features which define Alzheimer’s disease is the progressive build up amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles which suffocate and destroy brain tissue and cells.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
While there is no way to prevent Alzheimer’s there are certainly ways to reduce the risk and even delay the onset. No one knows why some people develop this condition, however, there have been some factors identified which can increase the risk. While old age and family history are factors which can’t be changed, lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, quitting smoking and excessive drinking, and staying social have been found to make a significant impact on brain health and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s Disease
One factor which has been identified to reduce symptoms or the likeliness all together is addressing a hearing loss. Like Alzheimer’s Disease, the likeness of hearing loss rises as we age and it is irreversible once it begins. One in three over the age of 65 have hearing loss in the US and this number jumps to half of all those 75 years and older. Many of the factors which can reduce your risk of dementia, such as a healthy diet, staying active and staying social are directly affected by hearing loss. For instance, when we can’t hear, it makes it more difficult to participate and enjoy conversation. As hearing loss goes untreated for years it can turn very social people into something closer to a social recluse. Lack of socialization also means less likeliness to stay active, as people may opt to stay home instead, becoming increasingly depressed. Depression associated with lack of social connection and hearing loss is also been connected to life choices which may prioritize a less healthy diet, smoking and excessive drinking.
Link Between Alzheimer’s & Hearing Loss
Quickly the link between these two connections becomes clear. Several studies have established a significant correlation between Alzheimer’s and hearing loss. In fact, as study published in 2019 conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, found that cognitive decline which was:
- 30% higher among people with mild hearing loss
- 42% higher among people with moderate hearing loss
- 54% higher among people with severe hearing loss
By identifying and treating hearing loss early, it’s believed that it’s possible to reduce your risk of cognitive decline. significantly.
Prioritizing Hearing Health
The most effective treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These tiny electronic devices are worn daily in or around the ear canal and are programed based on your hearing exam, to amplify only the sounds you need to hear. This can allow people of all ages to begin to enjoy social situations again and being to stay more active and engaged in the life you love.
Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month by scheduling a hearing exam with us today. We can test your hearing and find the best hearing solution for you, to help boost your confidence, increase your activity, and support your cognitive health for years to come.