Could managing hearing loss be the key to reducing the impact of dementia?
It is a disease that continues to defy a cure. Now, the link to hearing loss is getting loud and clear.
Key points
- Dementia is not considered a normal part of ageing.
- The number of those living with dementia will double in the next 25 years.
- Hearing loss could be an early sign of dementia.
Next week is national Dementia Week and focuses on the half a million Australians living with the disease and their 1.6 million carers.
The number of people living with dementia will double in the next 25 years.
Although dementia most often affects older people, it is not considered a normal part of ageing.
Factors that increase the risk of getting dementia include head injuries, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a lack of physical and mental activity and hearing loss.
Researchers say if hearing loss was properly managed, nearly 1 in 13 cases of dementia could be delayed or eliminated.
Getting symptoms checked out early is essential. That’s because several other conditions display similar symptoms to dementia – including vitamin and hormone deficiencies, depression, medication side effects, infections, and brain tumours.
An early diagnosis will mean people receive the correct treatment. If they are diagnosed with dementia, they (and their loved ones) will have early access to the support and information they need.
Memory problems are common and often increase as people age, but there is a big difference between dementia and forgetfulness.
Dementia covers a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain.
There are many different forms of dementia. The most common forms are Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Huntington's, Korsakoff's syndrome and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Dementia affects thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Often severely enough to interfere with the ability to lead a normal social and working life. While it is more common after 65, it can affect people in their 40s and 50s.
Early signs of dementia can be subtle, vague, and easily dismissed. Early signs that a person might have dementia can include:
- Being vague in everyday conversations.
- Memory loss affecting day-to-day function.
- Short-term memory loss.
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks and taking longer to do routine tasks.
- Losing enthusiasm or interest in regular activities.
- Difficulties in thinking or saying the right words.
- Changes in personality or behaviour.
- Finding it difficult to follow instructions.
- Finding it difficult to follow stories.
- Increased emotional unpredictability.
Hearing loss and dementia
Hearing loss does not mean that a person will develop dementia. However, research suggests people with:
- Mild symptoms of hearing loss may be twice as likely to develop dementia as those with healthy hearing.
- Severe hearing loss may be five times more likely to develop dementia.
Hearing difficulties can diminish the quality of life through social isolation, loneliness and depression, and loss of independence. These factors may increase the risk of developing dementia.
Hearing loss may place an additional load on the mental resources of a vulnerable brain as the person who has difficulty hearing works harder to decode and process sounds. The extra load may mean that there are fewer resources for memory, understanding speech, and other cognitive functions, which may lead to changes in the brain. It also is possible that the neurological process that leads to dementia is the same process that leads to age-related hearing loss.
Some hearing services are subsidised by the Australian Government (hearingservices.gov.au) and private health insurance.
Behavioural changes can be confronting for those close to a person diagnosed with dementia. A previously placid family member can begin to display aggressive behaviour, lose their inhibitions, become agitated easily and otherwise behave out of character.
Even more difficult can be talking to them about changes you’ve noticed, especially if they become defensive. Health Direct recommends starting the conversation by discussing symptoms and the other common reasons this might be happening. For example, you might say you’ve noticed the person has had trouble with their memory recently and ask if they’ve been stressed or not sleeping well.
If the person has dementia, the condition might stop them from recognising the changes in themselves and cause them to dismiss the need to see a doctor.
In this case, offering to help them book an appointment and attend with them may help, or you could bring it up when they see their doctor for other reasons (like a blood pressure check).
If diagnosed early, your loved one might not require much extra care initially. This is a good time for you, family and friends to learn more about dementia and what to expect. It’s also the time to plan for the future while they can make sound decisions, including financial planning and healthcare.
Because dementia can impact communication, your loved one may not be able to express their wants and needs. This can be frustrating and frightening for them and you.
Tips:
- Be positive. Keep your tone of voice and body language calm, and speak pleasantly. Using touch can also be reassuring.
- Be clear. Speak slowly and calmly using simple words and phrases. You may have to repeat the information or question multiple times. Ask yes or no questions and avoid giving choices if there are none.
- Acknowledging feelings – if your loved one is sad, angry, or upset, don’t ignore it. Let them know that you understand as you work to calm them.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, and have questions following a loved one getting a dementia diagnosis. However, there's support available, including Dementia Australia’s 24/7 National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
For further reading: Dementia Australia and The Lancet
