In recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is raising awareness of the importance of addressing hearing loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The ability to communicate with the help of hearing instruments can help enhance quality of life for both those with hearing loss and their caregivers.
In previous blog posts we’ve mentioned the importance of hearing loss diagnosis, as it can interrupt the cognitive processing of spoken language and sound, regardless of other coexisting conditions. But when an individual has both Alzheimer’s and hearing loss, many of the symptoms of hearing loss can interact with those common to Alzheimer’s, making the disease more difficult than it might be if the hearing loss had been addressed.
BHI advocates that hearing checks, hearing healthcare, and hearing instruments when appropriate be included in the regimen of care for people with Alzheimer’s disease. BHI also advocates that a comprehensive hearing examination and hearing healthcare be part of the diagnostic process.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Today, an estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and they are supported by more than 15 million caregivers. For information about the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s disease, early detection and diagnosis, contact the Alzheimer’s Association toll-free Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/10signs .
