Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and How Hearing Loss Plays a Role

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to waste away (atrophy) and die. It is the most common cause of dementia, and symptoms include a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills. This can disrupt a person’s ability to function independently. 

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn more about dementia and how hearing loss can play a role.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
   A common early sign of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recent conversations, names, or events. Occasional memory problems are typical in older adults, but the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s persists and worsens, affecting the ability to function at work or home.
2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems
   Some individuals may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may struggle with following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
   People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. They may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
   Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is a common occurrence. Individuals may become confused about where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
   For some individuals, vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
   People with Alzheimer’s may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble following a conversation, or repeatedly stop in the middle of a conversation with no idea how to continue.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
   A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
   Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. This can include using poor judgment when dealing with money or paying less attention to grooming or other tasks of daily living.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
   A person with Alzheimer’s might start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
    The moods and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious as the disease progresses.

The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s

Research shows a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. While hearing loss does not directly cause Alzheimer’s, it may exacerbate the symptoms or potentially speed up its progression. Here’s how hearing loss and Alzheimer’s are connected:

1. Social Isolation
   Hearing loss often leads to social isolation due to difficulty engaging in conversations. This can be frustrating and embarrassing, and people may choose to avoid social gatherings. Social isolation is a known risk factor for cognitive decline because it limits brain stimulation.
2. Cognitive Overload
   Straining to hear and understand sounds forces the brain to work harder. This “cognitive load” possibly diverts resources away from other cognitive processes like memory and thinking, accelerating cognitive decline.
3. Brain Structure Changes
   Research suggests that hearing loss can lead to changes in the brain’s structure that affect its function. A decrease in overall brain volume, specifically in regions for processing sound and speech, can contribute to cognitive challenges.

Managing Hearing Loss to Potentially Delay Alzheimer’s Onset

Hearing Aids
Using hearing aids can mitigate some of the potential risks associated with cognitive decline. Though hearing aids can’t cure hearing loss, they can significantly enhance hearing and understanding.  This can reduce the brain’s cognitive load and potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Social Engagement
Encouraging social and mentally stimulating activities can complement the use of hearing aids. This combination promotes better cognitive health and can combat the isolation that often accompanies hearing loss.

Regular Check-ups
Routine hearing assessments can help catch hearing loss early, providing an opportunity to address cognitive health right away. This can not only maintain auditory health but even boost overall cognitive well-being.

Book a Hearing Test

Do you think you may have hearing loss? Book a hearing test to find out more about your hearing health. Your ears and brain will thank you.