A recent study from the Carle Illinois College of Medicine has shed new light on the connection between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
New Findings Can Help Explain Link Between Dementia and Hearing Loss
Medical professionals have known about the link between hearing loss and an increase in cognitive decline for some time. The exact cause of the link is unknown.
However, this study points to higher brain shrinkage in the brainstem and cerebellum in patients with both hearing loss and AD. These areas of the brain control movement, balance and aid in auditory processing.
Dan Llano, lead researcher and associate professor of biomedical and translational science at Carle Illinois, believes this research could aid in the discovery of early intervention measures.
“Our hope is that eventually this work will help us to come up with better diagnostic and treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia more generally,” said Llano.
Hearing Loss and Brain Atrophy
Previous studies have found that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain. This may happen for several reasons:
- When you have hearing loss your brain stops picking up certain sounds. The longer those parts of the brain that would process those sounds go without stimulation, the more likely they are to atrophy.
- Socializing becomes more difficult with hearing loss. Your brain has to work harder to follow conversations. This can make you feel frustrated and depressed. It can even lead you to isolate from others. Social isolation has been known to accelerate dementia.
How Hearing Aids Could Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
Early intervention with hearing aids may prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline. They make it easier for you to comprehend speech and sound, which:
- Helps combat exhaustion and mental fatigue
- Provides your brain with the right amount of stimulation to help prevent atrophy
- Makes it easier to socialize with family and friends at places like Scotty’s Table
If you are concerned about hearing loss or have had loved ones comment on your hearing, make an appointment for a hearing test. The earlier your condition is detected and treated with hearing aids, the more benefit you’ll see.
For more information on hearing loss and cognitive decline or to schedule an appointment, please call Western Montana Hearing and Speech today.