It’s been known that hearing loss becomes more common as we age. Still, recent research supports the fact that it can be more than just a communication issue—it can increase the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. A new French study is looking more closely at the risk factors for memory care and seeing what can be done to help reduce or slow cognitive decline.
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss or cognitive issues, assisted living and memory care through A Banyan Residence can help, and we invite you to take a tour of our facility today.
Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline: What the Study Reveals
This newer large study looked at data from over 62,000 participants aged 45 and older, exclusively from within the French population. The study found that:
- 49% had normal hearing
- 38% had mild hearing loss
- 10% had disabling hearing loss without using hearing aids
- 3% wore hearing aids
There was a noticeable link between hearing loss and cognitive issues, as 27% of those with mild hearing loss and 37% of those with disabling hearing loss showed cognitive impairment, compared to just 16% of the population with normal hearing.
Untreated hearing loss could be a significant factor in cognitive decline, likely due to social isolation and lack of auditory stimulation, but it’s impossible to make definitive statements. While hearing aids can drastically improve the quality of life of seniors with hearing issues, the study emphasized that more research is needed to confirm whether they help reduce cognitive decline directly.
Whether hearing aids or other resources available for seniors with hearing loss help slow cognitive decline is the wrong question to ask. There are tons of benefits, namely helping affected individuals hear, that should be the driving reason for someone choosing to use a hearing aid. If a senior struggles due to memory concerns or cognitive decline, the better way to address these concerns is around-the-clock care offered by memory care and assisted living facilities.
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
Memory care facilities are a fantastic way to support members of your family who are dealing with cognitive decline, including those related to hearing loss. This is achieved primarily through:
Managing Cognitive Decline: Memory care facilities are not created to assist those with hearing issues only. Instead, memory care facilities provide overall care to any senior dealing with cognitive issues, whether it manifests as memory loss, general confusion, or difficulty in problem-solving. Staff make it their daily goal to help residents get through the day with minimal stress, providing support without compromising a resident’s independence. Seniors with cognitive issues who might otherwise be sitting at home alone can benefit from cognitive therapy and social interaction at the facility to slow the progression of cognitive issues. When seniors reside at memory care facilities, the emphasis is on enhancing their overall quality of life by addressing their specific needs, not assuming that hearing loss or other concerns are the only issue that needs solving.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle to Limit Further Risk: Memory care facilities also prioritize promoting a healthy lifestyle, which can go a long way toward slowing cognitive decline. Residents benefit from physical activity opportunities, balanced nutrition through personalized meal plans, regular mental stimulation, and increased social interaction, all of which have been linked to maintaining cognitive function in aging adults.
At A Banyan Residence, we provide general assisted living services as well as integrated memory care. This means that residents who live with us who develop cognitive issues down the line can continue to receive top-quality care without the need to leave the community they love. If a loved one is showing signs that they may require assisted living or memory care in the future, call A Banyan Residence today to schedule a tour of our facility and learn more.
