As people age, any number of conditions, illnesses, difficulties, etc. can develop. Two of these include hearing loss and dementia (or Alzheimer’s). Of the many changes a body goes through as it ages, these are a couple of the most common health conditions that can arise. Most people are familiar with not only hearing loss but some type of dementia. Did you know, however, that they have been linked in some studies?
Before addressing the problem of hearing loss, many people tend to wait, putting off the inevitable – for years, in some cases. This may actually result in Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia! To help prevent these memory-related declines, it’s important to address hearing loss as soon as possible.
John Hopkins Weighs In
A John Hopkins study associated the risk of dementia with brain changes caused by hearing loss. The risk of dementia can be doubled as a result of even mild hearing loss. The risk may be tripled with moderate hearing loss, and an individual has a five times greater risk of developing dementia if they experience severe hearing loss. Hearing loss must be treated as quickly as possible.
Cognitive Decline Causes Related to Hearing Loss
When an individual has a hearing loss at a mild or moderate level, the ability to recall words may be reduced because so much of their effort goes toward concentrating on trying to hear. Scientists now believe, for that very reason, people with hearing loss may experience an overwhelmed cognitive ability as they strain to decode sounds. Therefore, to the risks of dementia, they are left far more vulnerable.
How Can You Assist Your Loved One?
Because it is a critical health issue, as soon as it is diagnosed, it is crucial to address the occurrence of hearing loss. Hearing aids can, thankfully, help in the management of hearing loss for retirement-age adults. By using these tools, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia development may be lowered.
For much-needed assistance, consult a hearing specialist if hearing loss is experienced by your aging loved one – or if you even think they may be experiencing a problem with their hearing.
Rest assured that there are memory care specialists who can assist your loved ones throughout their day if they are experiencing dementia and struggling with hearing loss.
Is Your Loved One Experiencing Memory Related Difficulties?
If your loved one is experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia, they need specialized care. A safe environment must be provided for them night and day. That’s a tall order if you are their one and only caregiver. Frequently, those providing round-the-clock care for an aging parent, grandparent, etc. can experience depression, frustration, isolation, and an overall interruption of their own life and schedule. However, Regency Pointe – the south’s premier retirement living community – can help.
Several living options are offered at Regency Pointe including SHINE® Memory Care. An adventure of self-discovery, our premier program can assist and care for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related illnesses to rediscover belonging, fun, camaraderie, enjoyment, self-assurance, self-worth, and self-sufficiency.
We have adapted our environment with specific factors in mind including life enhancement, a focus on the design of our neighborhood, high-quality training for our care team, nutritious dining, and communication.
Schedule a tour to view, first hand, this enriching environment steeped in southern tradition. If you have questions, you can contact us at 256.456.0016. With sales and leasing inquiries, please call 256.269.1919.
