The latest findings on the connection between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function will be discussed in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Naples: “Is it my MEMORY…or is it my HEARING?”
Does your loved one constantly forget items that you know you’ve discussed with them, or is it possible that they didn’t actually hear the message correctly? This question has been a concern for many families who suspect that a family member is showing signs of cognitive decline. Now, new research shows that hearing loss may not only be mistaken for signs of MEMORY LOSS or Dementia but that hearing loss may actually contribute to these cognitive problems! Local residents are invited to learn more about these research findings by attending one of the popular “LUNCH & LEARN” lectures later this month!
“We’ve always known that there are similarities between untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer / Dementia symptoms” states John Hoglund BC-HIS, ACA of Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Services. “There are times when you may ask Mom a question about a specific topic, and she may give you an answer about a completely different subject that sounds absurd. You may be inclined to think she is showing signs of serious mental processing issues…but she was actually answering …what she heard!” “Similarly it is impossible to correctly remember what you don’t hear properly, so when Dad says that you never told him something that you KNOW that you discussed with him…he may not of understood what you said, but didn’t bother asking you to repeat it.” Episodes like these can give a false impression of cognitive decline where it is in fact simply due to their hearing loss. If the hearing problems are correctly addressed, these types of mistakes tend to go away.
There have been many recent headlines that now show a strong body of evidence that untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of developing Memory related conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia! CNN reports that “The risk of Dementia appears to RISE as hearing ability DECLINES!” AARP quotes a study from Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging that finds that “Men and Women with Hearing Loss are much more likely to develop Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease!” They further state that “Even mild Hearing Loss DOUBLED the risk of Memory problems” and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine links even EARLY STAGE Hearing Loss to accelerated BRAIN ATROPHY!
“We listen with our ears but hear with our brains,” says George Gates, M.D., a hearing expert at the University of Washington in Seattle “It is simply not possible to separate audition and cognition” People with moderate hearing loss generally struggle to communicate in noisy settings, and those with severe hearing loss are near deaf. People with severe hearing loss, the study reports, were five times more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing.
Frank R. Lin, M.D., an ear surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, says that hearing loss has an enormous impact on the lives of his patients and their family members. “Yet because it is such a slow and insidious process, it is often left ignored and untreated.” It is therefore recommended that regularly scheduled Hearing Tests should be a part of Senior’s routine medical testing, and that hearing loss should be addressed as early as possible before these negative consequences begin to develop.
Dr. Fred Schaerf of the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida is the former Chief Resident Psychiatrist of Johns Hopkins and he is currently involved in the testing of drugs that may give hope for Dementia Patients in the future. He has taken a strong interest in the Hopkins’ Research findings including the latest findings that clearly show “brain shrinkage” in the auditory crtex of those with untreated hearing loss! He stresses having BASELINE MEMORY SCREENINGS and offers them as a FREE service to Southwest Florida residents. It has also become standard practice to stress BASELINE HEARING TESTS to anyone who is concerned about their memory. This month’s LUNCH AND LEARN Seminar will feature these finding as both Dr. Schaerf and Angel Duncan will be presenting UPDATES ON MEMORY ISSUES for area residents. All attendees will also be given the opportunity to receive these informative Baseline Screenings at no charge!
you to begin monitoring your hearing acuity the way you monitor other aspects of your health. These tests are provided as a FREE public service by our Practice as a way of increasing knowledge and awareness of hearing related issues. Adding a Baseline Memory Screening BEFORE issues arise is also strongly recommended by Mr. Hoglund as well. “We have sent a significant number of our Patients to Dr. Schaerf’s facility for screenings and EVERY ONE OF THEM has reported that it was a wonderful experience. They were treated with the highest level of respect and professionalism and came away with dramatically improved understanding of what is “NORMAL memory decline” as we age versus more serious issues that can develop. We are truly HONORED to have both Dr. Schaerf and his assistant Angel Duncan as our Speakers at this month’s seminars!
Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Services offer FREE Hearing Screenings at our Bonita Springs and Estero Clinics, and you will receive a dated copy for your personal Medical records. At the time of your appointment, you will also receive a copy of six different reports about the research mentioned in this article, and we can also make arrangements for your FREE Memory Screenings! Please Call (239) 498-7142 to schedule an appointment or to RSVP for one of the Seminars!. All it will cost is a little of your time… but the knowledge you receive may be priceless!
“LUNCH AND LEARN” SEMINAR SERIES TO FEATURE:
“UPDATES ON MEMORY AND HEARING!”
Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Fred Schaerf of the Neuropsychiatric Research Center will be this month’s Special Guest Speaker at Perkins Restaurants throughout Southwest Florida! Learn all there is to know about the latest research into all MEMORY issues including facts about latest data about Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other Cognitive research from the former Chief Resident Psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins!
Dr. Schaerf will explain the latest research findings into the effects of aging as it relates to your memory, and what steps you should be taking to monitor your Cognitive Functioning!
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL WHO ATTEND!
Bonita Springs: NOVEMBER 19th @ 3:00 PM
Fort Myers: NOVEMBER 21st @ 12:00 PM
Naples: NOVEMBER 23rd @ 3:00 PM
PLEASE RSVP: (239) 498-7142
This Lecture has SOLD OUT quickly in the past, so book your
Reservation today for this fascinating lecture!
Hoglund Family Hearing And Audiology Center
Fifteen 8th Street (Next to Royal Scoop Ice Cream)
Bonita Springs, FL 31434
(239) 498-7142
Southwest Florida Tinnitus And Hearing Center
10020 Coconut Rd. Ste.120 (Next to LabCorp)
Estero, FL 34135
(239) 992-HEAR (4327)
“The intent of lecturing about these research articles is not to create “panic” among the Senior population that they are going to lose their faculties if they have hearing loss”, states Mr. Hoglund. “It is, however, information that people should learn about in greater detail, since regular hearing tests are often not included as part of an annual physical.” “If you are over the age of fifty and have not had a Baseline Hearing Test, I would encourage