Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
Hidden Risks
Hearing loss is not only frustrating to those that suffer from the condition, but also to their family and loved ones. but did you know that recent research suggests that it is also linked to falls, walking problems, and possibly even dementia?
In a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine that tracked several hundred adults for more than a decade, it was found that mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia. The risk was tripled by moderate loss…..and those suffering severe hearing impairment were FIVE TIMES more likely to develop a cognitive affecting disease.
How are Hearing and Health Linked?
Viewing the brain scans of the participants in the aforementioned study, researchers noticed that hearing loss contributed to a much faster rate of atrophy in the brain. They also found that most of those with untreated hearing loss began experiencing social isolation, which caused them to not engage in conversation or to even WANT to be around anyone. These factors could possibly increase the risk of dementia.
Even the simple act of walking can be impacted, as hearing loss can mute subtle sounds and signals that the brain uses to control your body in a safe manner. Since those sounds are much quieter, or not audible at all, your brain has to work MUCH harder on the various processes that it would typically subconsciously multitask.
Definitions
Social Isolation
Lack of social and/or personal interaction with others than can adversely affect your health. People suffering from this have have little contact with others, very few fulfilling relationships, and lack a sense of belonging.
Dementia
A condition characterized by progressive, persistent, severe impairment of intellectual capacity, including memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability, resulting from the loss of or damage to neurons in the brain.
Alzheimer's Disease
A common form of dementia, believed to be caused by changes in the brain, usually beginning in late middle age, characterized by memory lapses, confusion, emotional instability, and progressive loss of mental ability.