Scientists have found out what helps to cope with age-related memory impairment
Scientists have found out what helps to cope with age-related memory impairment
Anonim

Pay close attention to hearing and sight.

Scientists have found what helps to cope with age-related memory impairment
Scientists have found what helps to cope with age-related memory impairment

By the age of 40, about one in ten people have a hearing impairment. The process takes place gradually, so we do not even realize that something is wrong. According to audiologist Dina Rollins, many deny the situation even when their condition gets worse. And by the time a person can be convinced, age-related memory problems often begin.

But the scientists have good news: Hearing aid restoration can slow cognitive decline. This was established as a result of a study of 2,000 older Americans. Participants were examined every two years for 18 years. Therefore, scientists were able to notice the difference in cognitive performance before and after the subjects started using hearing aids.

We found that after hearing aids were inserted, the rate of cognitive decline slowed by 75%. This result surprised us.

Asri Maharani author of scientific work

To assess cognitive performance, scientists performed a series of tests every two years. For example, in one of them ten words were read out to the participants. It was necessary to repeat them immediately, and then after a while after completing other tasks.

We did not expect the use of hearing aids to cure cognitive impairment. This is impossible, because age-related disorders are inevitable. But the decrease in the rate of these changes is quite significant. This is a very impressive result.

Pierce Dawes experimental psychologist, study co-author

The findings add to the existing evidence that hearing impairment is associated with cognitive decline. According to Rollins, it makes perfect sense. The memory of hearing impaired people deteriorates faster, including due to the lack of social stimulation. They find themselves isolated from others, less likely to engage in conversations, and stop attending events. The hearing aid returns the ability to hear and understand what was heard, and therefore communicate.

However, many begin to use them only when loved ones insist. Hearing aids are associated with old age, and the thought of them causes rejection for many. But there is nothing to be ashamed of, because they significantly improve the quality of life.

Another common problem that occurs with age is blurred vision, often due to cataracts. Vision restoration surgery is also curbing cognitive decline, new evidence suggests.

We noticed that after cataract surgery, the rate of cognitive decline slowed by 50%.

Asri Maharani

Like a hearing aid, this will not completely eliminate memory impairment, but it will significantly slow down the process.

A comfortable old age is made up of many factors, including diet and physical activity. Well, now scientists know that it is very important to correct hearing and vision impairments.

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