14 · SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 ONTHEMEDICAL FRONT “With hearing loss, you’re using cognitive resources to understand the words being spoken, and as a result of that, retention goes down. So with untreated hearing loss, the individual has to really divert a lot of cognitive resources just to understand what’s being said.” Another theory, Hillman said, is that people who have hearing loss tend to withdraw socially, and that has been linked to depression and anxiety and could exacerbate cognitive decline. While there has been no proof that correcting hearing loss with an aid can offset the acceleration of dementia, he said, they do know that aids can help with social isolation. “They can help keep people more active, which leads to better psychological health overall. That has been shown in multiple studies to indirectly affect cognitive decline,” Hillman said. Dr. Catherine Palmer, director of audiology and hearing aids in the UPMC Department of Otolaryngology, said that while studies are ongoing regarding the link between cognitive decline and hearing loss, a group with which she was involved did a related study in 1999. Their study looked at whether correcting hearing loss through properly-fitted hearing aids in people with Alzheimer’s disease could lessen the impact on caregivers and found that problem behaviors and burden did decrease with the aids. “This is significant in that caregivers burn out and can no longer keep loved ones at home,” she said. “By reducing problem behaviors, loved ones may be able to stay in their home longer, saving the family and health care system money.” Although researchers have yet to prove whether hearing loss causes dementia and whether correcting hearing loss can help prevent or slow dementia, Hillman said the social and psychological benefits of correcting hearing loss are enough that people should take action. It also helps to take corrective action sooner rather than later, he said. “Early correction makes it easier to treat hearing loss as it progresses,” he said. “The patient who gets a hearing aid when the loss first starts is going to do so much better than the one who waits 15 years and then gets aids. That’s all brainrelated.” FROM · 3 #GreatPla ceTo Wo rk # GreatPla ceTo Live Welcome to the Family At Newhaven Court at Linwood, we’ve designed a home-like environment that fosters a sense of comfort and familiarity combined with a state-of-theart Senior Living Community. Call for more information or see us online. At Newhaven Court at Linwood, you will enjoy: • Nutritious meals served in our dining room • A professional team of caregivers available to meet your needs 24 hours a day • Short-term respite stays available if needed • A variety of activities to keep you busy each day • Transportation if and when needed • A great place to share with friends and family Call us today for a tour or more information (888)261-8178 IntegraCare.com 100 Freedom Way Greensburg, PA 15601 SENIOR LIVING • MEMORY CARE ™ adno=6523037
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