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There is no doubt that Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. Chances are you or someone you know has been impacted by this common form of dementia. As stated in Alzheimer’s Disease International as of 2020 there were estimated to be around 55 million people living with dementia internationally. This number is projected to rise, reaching 139 million by 2050.
According to World Alzheimer’s Month, “Each September, people unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.”
There is much research being done on this terrible condition, but scientists still haven’t found a definitive cause, or ways to avoid this debilitating disease. We are however learning more and more about how different factors such as diet, sleep, and lifestyle can increase or decrease the chances of contracting Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive decline.
One factor may come as a surprise. A link has been found between hearing loss and cognitive decline in multiple studies over long periods of time. This may seem surprising, but if we look at all the pieces together, we can see how important treating hearing loss is to avoiding cognitive problems, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
How is hearing loss connected to Dementia?
As you may already know, there are billions of cells in the brain that communicate with each other and the body to perform and manage tasks as complicated as playing the piano or as seemingly simple as breathing. We know the brain is sending “orders” to different parts of the body to make us do things like breathe or talk, but how does the brain know what to tell us to do? The brain gets its information from all the senses working together.
It makes sense that if one of these organs stopped sending reliable information, that the brain might react in strange ways. For example, it is widely thought that having trouble hearing might sometimes help them see better or the other way around.
When someone has trouble hearing, especially if it happens gradually over time, the brain goes through changes to compensate. These changes happen in the intrinsic structure of the brain’s hearing areas, and can impact how the different parts of the brain work together.
Studies have shown a clear link between hearing loss and dementia. In a study conducted by Dr. Frank Lin, a well-known scientist at Johns Hopkins, it was found that people with hearing loss were 24% more likely to have Alzheimer’s. He also found that the amount of hearing loss affected how likely they were to contract Alzheimer’s. Several other studies agree, people with hearing loss tended to lose their mental abilities more rapidly.
Is hearing loss a cause or a symptom of Alzheimer’s and other dementia?
With so many studies linking hearing loss and cognitive decline, we are all wondering if hearing loss is a cause of this debilitating disease. The truth is, we don’t know for sure, but it is likely at least one important factor.
If your family has a history of dementia, there are many things you can do that may help to prevent or delay this condition. From cleaning up your diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising your brain, you can do many things to support your body and brain in staying healthy. One other important thing you can do is get your hearing checked regularly and treat any hearing loss that you find.
What are common treatments for hearing loss?
These days hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss but there are some medical and surgical treatments that are sometimes suggested. It will depend on many factors including the type, and severity of your hearing loss as well as your lifestyle, preferences and budget. Ask your doctor to refer you to a hearing professional today. They will give you a hearing test to assess the type of hearing loss and its severity and then help you choose a treatment plan that works for you.
Can you prevent Alzheimer’s by treating your hearing loss?
We don’t know for certain if hearing loss is a cause of Alzheimer’s, but the signs are all pointing towards yes. Getting help for hearing loss can only improve your chances of avoiding cognitive decline. By getting your hearing checked and seeking treatment, you can improve your life in multiple ways. Hearing loss can negatively impact your life in more ways than one so contact us as soon as possible.