MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Members of the Mossel Bay Alzheimer's Support group heard startling statistics on hearing loss at their most recent meeting.They were addressed by audiologist Lynette Snyman at the get together on 12 July.
Snyman said: "Untreated hearing loss accelerates cognitive decline in older adults by up to 30% to 40% because the extra effort exerted by the brain to listen, 'steals' resources from the part used for memory and decision making."
She also said that 18 to 69-year-olds with untreated hearing loss reported higher instances of depression. Researchers believe that depression is a natural consequence of social isolation, which tends to happen when there is hearing loss.
Snyman said social isolation was a common result of untreated hearing loss because people avoided activities that required interaction, such as eating out, going to church, family outings and events with music or mingling.
Good news
The good news was that treating hearing loss could help remove the barriers to staying mentally sharp.
Treating hearing loss boosted optimism and confidence, Snyman said.
People who used hearing aids were more likely to be optimistic and feel more confident, she qualified. Treating hearing loss reduces the risk of cognitive decline and can actually slow it. Also, most people who start using hearing aids say they have a positive effect on their relationships.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Alzheimer's Support Group will take place on 30 August. Support group facilitator Maria van Staden apologised that the meeting is being held so late in the month, but because of the public holiday on 9 August and other commitments, it has to be held later on.
Mossel Bay attorney Imke Dekker will speak on: The administration of the estate of the deceased.
The meeting on 30 August will take place at Santos Haven 1 at 15:00. For more information contact Maria on 044 698 1509 or 072 236 5488.
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