Every September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign run by Alzheimer’s disease International (ADI) to advocate for prevention, raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, and shows no sign of slowing down, with an estimated increase of nearly 14 million instances of Alzheimer’s in the U.S. by 2050.World Alzheimer’s month is also a great time to talk about hearing loss. This is as study after study finds that the two conditions are often linked. In fact, studies show that treatment of hearing loss can significantly amplify the healthy functioning of the brain.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
This neurodegenerative brain disorder slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Over time even the simplest task is difficult to complete. named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer identified changes in the brain tissue of his elderly patients. He found abnormal clumps in one patient’s brains which we now identify as amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers now referred to as neurofibrillary.
To this day these plaques and tangles in the brain are defining qualities of this prevalent illness in people 65 or older. Another defining feature is the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain. This occurs as brain cells become damaged, causing brain atrophy to the point where brain cells can no longer communicate with one another.
Differentiating Symptoms Hearing loss from Dementia
The symptoms of hearing loss can be confusing for family members, friends and co-workers as they can mimic early signs of dementia. This is because when you can’t hear, it is common to respond incorrectly to a question someone asks you, or not respond at all. This can give someone the impression that they are disconnected and often are confused during social interaction. This can make it hard to tell what is down to dementia and what is down to hearing loss. Often the two conditions fuel each other, making the side effects of both worse. It also often makes diagnosing hearing problems in a person with dementia more challenging as well.
Advanced Age, Dementia, and Hearing Loss
It is likely that many who live with dementia will also have hearing loss. This is in part because both conditions become significantly more likely as we reach 65. One third of people over 65 have hearing loss, while one in 14 people over the age of 65 struggle with dementia. The reason that both of these conditions are on the rise in society is most likely due to the fact that people are living longer than ever before.
Brain Strain with Hearing Loss
It is common for people to develop gradual hearing loss as they age and this can actually contribute to dementia. This is because as hearing loss progresses, there are more gaps in what can be transferred from your ears to your brain. This leaves your brain working harder than before and borrowing cognitive resources from other areas of the brain to hear. Hearing loss can develop for many years unbeknownst to those affected, and over this span it is common for social interactions to become increasingly less enjoyable. This is predictable, as it is frustrating, and stressful when you can’t hear what people are saying. Therefore the prevalence of people self-isolating is very high for those with hearing loss. Loneliness and isolation is also a major factor which researchers believe increases the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Under stimulation from years of chronic depression and isolation add to brain atrophy which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Coping with dementia and hearing loss
Both conditions often occur together, which amplifies both issues more severely. This manifests in communication barriers and increased social isolation and loss of independence. There are things you can do for yourself or loved one’s affected by one or both conditions. For instance:
- Making the environment easier for those with communication issues will minimize stress and allow them to communicate clearly. Choosing quiet environments to talk, turning down background music and making sure a room is well lit, is very helpful.
- Use gestures, facial expressions, and keep your face in clear sight when communicating.
- Using visual clues and writing out important information.
Schedule a Hearing Test
Biannual hearing tests can monitor a person’s hearing ability and make sure it isn’t getting worse. If it is, it opens the option to try hearing aids, which can slow the process of dementia significantly. Use the month of September as a call to action and join the fight against Alzheimer’s by scheduling a hearing test today!