Dementia is gaining momentum as one of the fastest growing syndromes in the elderly population. The World Health Organization estimates that there are close to 60 million people worldwide living with dementia and every year brings approximately 10 million new cases.
The devastating impact of Dementia flows from patient to family to friends and caregivers. Society as a whole feels its effects. According to the WHO, “ In 2019, the estimated total global societal cost of dementia was US$ 1.3 trillion, and these costs are expected to surpass US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030 as both the number of people living with dementia and care costs increase.”
Is Dementia always going to be the outcome of aging? No, it isn’t. There are many factors we need to be aware of so we can take preventative and active measures to mitigate its onset if it were to happen.
What is the nature of Dementia?
It lies outside of the natural effects of aging. It is progressive and specific to our cognitive abilities. Because of the plethora of reasons for its causation we know that the effect of dementia is different from person to person. The Mayo Clinic has listed the following symptoms:
- Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else first
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
- Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
- Difficulty handling complex tasks
- Difficulty with planning and organizing
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
- Confusion and disorientation
As you can see communication is at the top of the list. Which of the five important senses do we use to communicate? If you said hearing then you are correct!
Known causes
Unfortunately, there is no one specific causation for Dementia that can be applied to everyone. What we do know for sure is that any condition that affects our brain is sure to contribute to the onset of Dementia. There are a host of underlying conditions that create this progressively and neurologically damaging syndrome. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Stroke
- Alcohol abuse
- Lack of exercise
- Bad diet
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease
What they all have in common is they, directly or eventually lead to the disruption of brain functions. Communication is vital for the continuance of cognitive ability. Our sense of hearing is an integral part of communicative skills. This is why in recent studies our hearing health has gained prominence in its role in Dementia.
What is the connection?
There are several and we should take note of them for our health now and in the future.
First and foremost it is true that sound that is distorted means the information the brain receives is distorted as well. This means the brain has to work harder and fill in gaps that it didn’t have before. Well-established neural networks that have been established since birth are now corrupted.
Several things start occurring. Fatigue sets in from overworking other senses and using corrupted information to distort what is usually intelligible, such as speech in conversations. When the decline in hearing sets in and is left untreated then it destructively compounds itself. Isolation and withdrawal begin and further exacerbates the situation. It can be said that the brain tends to atrophy when it is less engaging and therefore less active.
What can we do?
Pay attention to your overall health. Speak to your doctor about getting a hearing assessment. Your hearing health professional can give you a comprehensive outlook and many options to follow.
We do know that attending to auditory health whether it is with the use of assistive devices like cochlear implants to earbuds for hearing enhancement is best to have it attended to as soon as possible.
Treatments and strategies are most effective early on! A fuller hearing experience is possible so that you can continue to enjoy the company of friends and family and attend activities, all of which are a part of a healthy lifestyle. If you need more information give us a call! We are looking forward to hearing from you.