A study was shown by the Alzheimer’s Association Conference of 2017 that people who have Alzheimer’s disease will not only suffer from long term hearing loss, but also have a chance of abnormal brain function, that would result in dementia. To prevent this from happening, the person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s should get their hearing impairment treated, before such a thing occurs to them.

A group of 783 people who have a history of Alzheimer’s disease were tested to prove that a decline in brain function from having this disease is possible. The test was to ensure their ability to remember, memorize and absorb information. Only a small majority of those who were in this study had hearing loss, less than 10%. The minority of those who had hearing loss were more than likely to score less on their abilities to remember certain information, than those who don’t suffer from hearing loss.

In the end, treating someone with hearing loss will benefit them in the long run to reduce the risks of having dementia. Sadly, there is no cure to Alzheimer’s disease to its entirety. But, one day, there will be a cure so people do not have to suffer from this saddening disease. And although getting treatment for hearing loss won’t get rid of dementia completely, it will reduce the risk of getting it.

Key Points:

• Researchers suggested that treating hearing loss could help limit the growth of Alzheimer’s.
• Some people end up developing hearing loss as they get older.
• The researchers could not determine if hearing loss actually contributed to the cause of dementia.

The researchers found evidence to suggest a link between hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment, a condition that can precede the onset of dementia.