Alzheimer’s and Hearing Loss Part 2
A study published in Clinical Gerontology in 1986 found that 80% of a group of 30 older adults that tested positive for symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease also showed signs of moderate to severe hearing loss.
In the 1986 study, 33% of the tested group with hearing loss was categorized into a less severe degree of senile dementia once the hearing loss was treated. Generally this treatment employed the use of hearing aids.
It is widely known in the medical community that undiagnosed hearing loss can lead to withdrawal from others, which can decline into depression. Depression can also lead to anxiety disorders and is a risk factor common among many Alzheimer’s disease patients.
The National Council of Aging also published a study regarding the correlation between untreated hearing loss and depression. Once the patients in the study were diagnosed and treated for hearing loss, their depression lessened enough to be noticeable by family and friends.
One of the personality changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease is the aggressive posturing when a patient is unable to make their personal needs known to their caregiver. Several studies have found Alzheimer’s patients who were successfully diagnosed and treated for hearing loss were more able to effectively communicate with their caregivers.
1 comment
Alzheimer’s disease is terrible. It slowly takes away our loved ones and we are powerless to do anything.
It’s time that research and governments step up and find a cure for this terrible disease.
Alzheimer’s Support Canada
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