Dementia Australia’s new community education toolkit highlights hearing loss as a possible risk factor for dementia and the potential benefits of hearing aids.
Psychiatrist Dr Terence Chong from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne’s Healthy Ageing Services discussed hearing in the video toolkit released on 23 October.
“Our ability to hear enables us to engage in conversations, stay connected with others, and process information effectively,” he said. “Hearing well is essential for cognitive stimulation and mental engagement.”
Dr Chong said ways people could prevent hearing loss included avoiding loud noises, wearing hearing protection and having their hearing tested regularly.
“When we can hear well, our brains receive a constant stream of auditory input, which is essential for cognitive stimulation and mental engagement,” he said.
“Research has shown that individuals with untreated hearing loss may experience cognitive decline at a faster rate compared to those with normal hearing.
“We have research now that tells us that individuals with treated hearing loss such as wearing a hearing aid can reduce their risk of developing dementia compared to those who are untreated.”
Dr Chong stressed that taking care of hearing was important for staying connected and keeping the brain sharp as we aged.
“If you’re having trouble hearing then doing something like wearing a hearing aid may be potentially helpful,” he advised.
“By prioritising hearing health and seeking appropriate interventions such as hearing aids when needed, we can preserve our cognitive abilities, enhance communication skills, and maintain overall brain function as we age.”
Dr Chong and Dementia Australia honorary medical advisor, GP Dr Marita Long, contributed clinical expertise in sessions that discussed dementia, brain health, cognitive changes and how to support people with a dementia diagnosis to stay connected with their community.
Dementia Australia said it had created the free, easy to use video toolkit to enable community groups and organisations to self-deliver informative sessions about brain health and dementia.
A leading cause of death
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it was developed in response to an overwhelming community demand for dementia education, a need reinforced by Dementia Australia’s research findings.
“We have found that two in three people say they know very little about dementia, despite it being the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause of death of all Australians,” Prof Buchanan said.
“With two in three people with dementia thought to be living in the community, this education is key to increased dementia awareness.”
She said more than 421,000 Australians were living with dementia and this was projected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054 so raising awareness about dementia and its impact within communities was a priority.
“With this community education toolkit and the community’s support, we will be able to reach thousands of Australians, no matter where they live, through the accessible information, videos and interactive activities that can be tailored to the needs and interests of different communities,” Prof Buchanan said.
Comedian Ms Geraldine Hickey and actor Ms Jessica Redmayne from Home and Away shared their personal stories to bring the video toolkit to life.
“By sharing my story, I hope to show others impacted by dementia that they are not alone,” said Redmayne who cared for her mother who had younger onset dementia.
“Having a better understanding of dementia is an integral part of dealing with it,” added Hickey who cared for her father who had dementia.
Access the toolkit here. For more information call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours, seven days a week) or visit https://www.dementia.org.au/
More reading
Hearing loss equal biggest modifiable risk factor for dementia; Lancet Commission
Meta-analysis gives ‘compelling evidence’ adult-onset hearing loss is a dementia risk
Hearing aids can stabilise cognitive function in elderly
