The month of June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month; so, we would like to present six (6) simple and effective ways to help prevent or delay the progressions of Alzheimer’s Disease. Most of these tactics are easily done at home, but the last one is right up our alley; let us help you by treating your hearing loss.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior and personality. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
One thing that most people don’t realize is that there is a direct link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. “In a study that tracked 639 adults¹ for nearly 12 years, Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate loss tripled risk, and people with a severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia.”
Early Detection and Prevention Is Vital to Prevent or Delay Alzheimer’s
Preventing Alzheimer’s disease or delaying its onset is a topic of great interest to many people. While genetics can pay a role, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by taking care of your brain health and cognitive fitness. Although there are no surefire ways to prevent Alzheimer’s, several lifestyle choices have been suggested to potentially reduce the risk or delay the progression of the disease. Here are some evidence-based recommendations:
1. Eat a healthy diet. Your chances of developing the memory-robbing disease of Alzheimer’s or dementia are significantly lower when you eat to have a healthy brain. It is one of your most vital organs and must be taken care of properly.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient. It will also help to lower your cholesterol and keep your blood pressure at a healthy level, decreasing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and some forms of dementia.
3. Manage your stress. You can manage your stress in many different ways. Some suggestions are to practice restorative breathing, schedule daily relaxation activities, make fun a priority, keep your sense of humor, and make time for meditation, reflection, or prayer.
4. Get enough sleep. A new study indicates that lack of sleep may lead to Alzheimer’s. Emerging research from the University of Rochester Medical Center has found that the waste-draining system they call the “glymphatic system” is ten times more active during sleep than while awake.
5. Stay socially active. Some studies have shown that social activities, larger social networks, and a history of social contact are associated with better cognitive function and reduced risk for cognitive decline.
6. Receive hearing loss treatment. Treating hearing loss is the single most modifiable risk factor for the prevention of dementia. Treatment keeps the brain active, and an active brain is a healthy brain!
Treatment for Hearing Loss Really Is the Key!
How important is hearing loss treatment to prevent or delay cognitive decline? It is downright essential.
A new Harvard Health University study² found that “There is increasing evidence that the more the brain is stimulated, the less likely it is that dementia will develop. When there is hearing loss, auditory stimulation is reduced. This, by itself, likely increases dementia risk.”
Hearing Loss Treatment Options in Meridian and Caldwell, Idaho
At Everything Hearing in Meridian and Caldwell, Idaho, we specialize in the personal treatment of hearing loss that goes well beyond traditional hearing aids. (And of course, we provide hearing aids for purchase and lease!)
Our practice goes beyond the traditional audiology treatments.
Since everyone’s hearing loss differs, we use various tools to treat individual hearing loss. Some of these treatment tools include:
• Cognivue screenings
• Listening And Communication Enhancement Auditory Training
• Aural Rehabilitation Software
• And of course, Technology Treatments, such as Hearing Aids
We have two Idaho locations, in Caldwell and in Meridian, so that we are easily accessible to anyone in the Treasure Valley area who is seeking to learn more about their hearing loss and the Technical Treatment Plan options we offer. Contact us for a free booklet with more information or make an appointment today!
Sources:
¹The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss – Johns Hopkins Medicine
²Want to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia? Get Your Hearing Checked Today. – Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
