In too many cases, dementia is preceded by preventable hearing loss

Listening for warning signs

Let’s be honest: There is a lot of noise out there not worth hearing. Especially the noise coming from Washington.

So sometimes “tuning out” can be a welcome break from the insanity.

But if you find yourself not listening because you’re having more and more trouble hearing, it can actually be the first sign of a very dangerous spiral.

Which came first…

Having to ask people to speak up or repeat themselves takes its toll. Before long, you just decide not to bother. And even though you’ll avoid a few Obamacare debates, taking yourself out of the conversation can actually have dire consequences — and put you at serious risk for the scariest disease of our time.

Over time, poor hearing can lead to social isolation. And that doesn’t just mean missing church or giving up a weekly poker game.

Mounting evidence shows that we should regard hearing loss as a serious red flag. Because that social isolation is just the first step.

I’ve told you before that research has linked hearing loss with risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the risk.

Now, a second major study out of Johns Hopkins confirms the link.

It turns out, especially for people in their mid-70s, that difficulty hearing sounds under 25 decibels is linked with accelerated cognitive decline and impairment.

The first question I asked is: Chicken or egg?

Is hearing loss a sign something is wrong? Or does it actually lead to dementia?

Based on these studies, it seems it’s the latter. Shutting down because you’re having trouble hearing has a snowball effect and can lead to cognitive decline.

So it’s important not to dismiss hearing problems as a nuisance. And even more important not to let yourself fall into a pattern of sitting home on your own with the TV turned up to 50.

The good news is that hearing problems can be a sign of something as simple as a vitamin deficiency…especially folate, vitamin B-12, and zinc.

So before you resign yourself to “shut in” status, grab a good B-complex and some zinc — and spend some time with someone worth listening to.

Sources:
“Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults” JAMA Internal Medicine, Vol. 173, No. 4, 2/25/13, archinte.jamanetwork.com

“Hearing Loss Accelerates Brain Function Decline in Older Adults” Johns Hopkins Medicine press release, 1/17/13, newswise.com