Want a strong brain? Keep your ears and eyes sharp

The best way to fight cognitive decline in the later years of life may just be to keep your ears and eyes strong.

About 10% of Americans have some degree of hearing loss at the age of 40. That number increases significantly as we age – about 33% of those over 65 and nearly 50% of those over 75 have a hearing impairment.

Older brains don’t function as sharply as younger ones – some level of cognitive decline is inevitable. However, new research suggests we don’t have to take this decline lying down.

Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions in northern New Jersey reminds you that wearing hearing aids can have a huge impact in slowing cognitive decline. The Health and Retirement Study discovered that the cognitive decline rate of the 2,000 adults in the study slowed about 75% after they began wearing hearing aids. 

The participants’ brain function was evaluated through the use of memory tests asking subjects – tested before and after they began wearing hearing aids – to recall 10 words. Individuals were asked to recall the words both right after hearing them read aloud and after they had been asked to do other tasks.

Researchers discovered that the use of hearing aids was positively associated with episodic memory scores, while a decline in these scores was slower after hearing aids were introduced than they were before them.

Researchers surmise that when people hear sounds around them, their brain is better able to process these sounds and function properly. Lower rates of depression and increased socialization and physical activity – both of which can spur cognitive processes – have also been discovered in people treating their impairment with hearing aids. A lack of socialization can increase cognitive decline because the brain isn’t being engaged in conversation.

Research also indicates that treating vision problems by having cataract surgery can also fight cognitive decline. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing is a UK study that found the rate of decline slowed by about 50% in those who had the surgery.

For more information about how our services can help you live a healthier life, call Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions – with northern New Jersey locations in Clifton, Paramus, Haskell, Mahwah, Morristown, and Pompton Plains – at 888.573.6412 or contact us online.