Studies have been ongoing for some time now regarding just what – if anything – causes it. Some results suggest that there is a definite link between hearing loss and dementia. Dementia is a condition that affects 850,000 people in the UK. This figure equates to around one in every six people over the age of 80, and there is no cure for it. This is just one of the reasons that The Hearing Clinic UK are keen for people to seek professional assistance sooner rather than later when they notice they are having hearing problems. Read on for more information on link between hearing loss and dementia.
Reduced brain messages
If your hearing is reduced or even disappears completely, your brain won’t be receiving as many messages as it once did. Since we know that keeping the brain busy is one way to stave off dementia. If hearing loss is causing the brain to need to work less, then it could be why dementia starts. The brain is like a muscle and it needs to be kept working in order to do its job well.
Too much strain
Another reason why hearing loss could lead to dementia could be the strain that hearing loss puts on the brain. Decoding different sounds to make out what they mean and what was said literally stresses the brain. This might damage the brain, leaving it more susceptible to a dementia diagnosis.
Isolation because of hearing loss and dementia
Being around people, taking part in activities, talking to friends and families and generally being social can reduce problems caused by dementia. It is known that being isolated and alone can trigger dementia symptoms. Other cognitive disorders and hearing loss can also add to that isolation. Once people start being unable to hear conversations or have trouble making out words in crowded conversations, they can stop going to save their embarrassment. They might not even really continue to speak to those they live with as they just cannot hear anything.
