September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and we’re participating in raising awareness about the effects of this degenerative brain disease, how hearing loss is connected to your brain health, and what you can do to avoid Alzheimer’s Disease.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common kind of dementia, a degenerative brain disease that affects your memory, thinking, behavior, speech, and understanding. Are you worried that a loved one might have dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? Watch for the symptoms of dementia, which include memory loss, confused speech, unpredictable behavior, mood swings, and difficulty performing tasks they used to find very easily, such as getting dressed in the morning or walking to the park.
Alzheimer’s affects the brain, and when someone has Alzheimer’s, their brain goes through a lot of changes. They’ll have an unusual and dangerous buildup of cells in the brain, called plaques and tangles. These cells start out in small areas but soon spread over to more areas, destroying healthy brain cells and disrupting normal brain function by damaging the connections between nerve cells in the brain. This cuts off communication between regions of the brain and between the brain and other parts of the body like muscles and organs, leading to problems throughout the body.
What causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
Researchers are still looking for the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease, and while they don’t know exactly what causes it, they do know what will increase your risk of developing the Disease.
One major risk factor for dementia is hearing loss. If you’re living with untreated hearing loss, your brain is under a lot of stress. You spend your days straining to hear, aren’t as engaged with your loved ones as you used to be, and may even be living in social isolation. With hearing loss, it becomes hard to interact with loved ones, follow conversations, or enjoy social gatherings.
Those with hearing loss spend more time alone, and along with changes in mood and an increased risk of depression, they face social isolation. Just like any other part of your body, your brain needs regular exercise. When you’re isolated from others, or you’re always straining to hear, your brain isn’t getting enough of the right kind of exercise, and you’ll be risking your brain health, opening the door for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Sadly, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers think Alzheimer’s Disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, so you can greatly reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by looking after your body and brain.
Treating your hearing loss is one of the best things you can do for your brain health. With clear hearing, you’ll be able to enjoy effortless hearing without straining your ears or your brain. You’ll hear what’s been said every time and enjoy a vibrant social life. You’ll enjoy a great quality of life, have fun at family gatherings, and have the energy to do all the things you love.
There are a few other steps you can take to look after your brain health and reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Having a healthy lifestyle and taking the time to look after your overall health will benefit your brain. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables and whole foods, and exercise regularly. This can be as simple as going for a walk around the block every morning or playing with your grandchildren in the park. Physical activity will help you manage your weight and keep your body in good health. Keep your brain active and healthy with regular exercise, learn a new skill, or start a new hobby to keep your brain engaged and healthy. Doing these things will reduce your risks of Alzheimer’s Disease and keep your mind sharp for years to come.
Ready to do the right thing for your physical, mental, emotional, and brain health? Treating hearing loss is the first step toward a healthy future with a vibrant social life and an active brain. Our team of hearing health specialists will test your hearing and recommend the perfect devices to have you hearing clearly.