If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, now’s your chance! September is World Alzheimer’s Month. This international awareness campaign is led by Alzheimer’s Disease International. They hope that by raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, they will reduce the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and encourage more people to look after their health. This month we’re joining them to talk about Alzheimer’s disease and how you can reduce your risk of developing this disease.
All About Alzheimer’s Disease
You may have a relative or friend with this type of dementia, or you may be worried that you’ll develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease that affects the brain. Cell growth in the brain, called plaques and tangles, interferes with normal brain function.
These plaques and tangles can disrupt your normal neurological pathways, affecting your life in some profound ways. Alzheimer’s disease affects your memory, your ability to function, and even your personality.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
As plaques and tangles affect your brain, you’ll start to notice the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the first things you’ll notice is changes in memory. You may forget where you left your keys, or why you walked into the kitchen. You may start to forget your recent memories like what you did last week or who you talked to. Another form of memory loss is confusion. People with Alzheimer’s disease may forget where they are, or fail to recognize a familiar place. You might also forget what date or season it is.
Alzheimer’s disease can also lead to changes in behavior and function. You may get stuck in the middle of a daily task like getting dressed or washing the dishes. Alzheimer’s disease makes it hard to accomplish the tasks of daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease will affect your social life. As you struggle to remember facts and have trouble finding the words you want to say, social gatherings become stressful. You may feel anxious or nervous meeting friends, and you stay home rather than being social with your friends.
You may also notice some changes in your overall mood. Alzheimer’s disease can change your mood and even your personality. If your family notices that you don’t seem like yourself, this could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
What Does Hearing Loss Have to do With Alzheimer’s Disease?
Did you know that hearing loss is linked to Alzheimer’s disease? As researchers learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, they’ve found some interesting connections. Frank Lin at the Johns Hopkins University found that people with hearing loss are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia than people without hearing loss!
Hearing clearly is important for your brain health. Hearing helps you stay more active and social. Hearing all the sounds around you keep your brain active and stimulating all the neural pathways in the brain. When you have hearing loss, you’re not able to hear all the sounds around you. Some of the areas in your brain are less active, and you risk cognitive decline. Hearing loss can change your brain, making it easier for the harmful plaques and tangles to develop.
Take a Hearing Test!
The best way to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month is with a hearing test! Visit us at one of our locations to find out more about your hearing. A hearing test will show you everything you need to know about your hearing health. You’ll see what sounds you’re not hearing and get treatment recommendations tailored to your needs.
If you have hearing loss, treating your hearing loss with hearing aids is a great way to reduce your risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Not only that, but you’ll get to hear all the sounds around you! You’ll hear the birds chirping outside your window and hear every word during a conversation with your loved ones. We have a large selection of hearing aids to suit your hearing needs and your lifestyle. Hearing aids will help your brain stay healthy, and you’ll be reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Visit us today and find out how hearing aids can change your life!