For older adults and their loved ones concerned about cognitive health, there are common markers that can be worrisome: forgetting details, losing track of dates, and bills going unpaid. These can be easy enough to track.

 

But there are a few other warning signs, often associated with physical well-being, that also play a vital role in cognitive health: vision and hearing.

 

Older adults who suffer losses in eyesight and hearing are at an increased risk for memory loss as well. Studies show that older adults with unaddressed hearing loss have a 2-5 times higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those without hearing issues.

 

How Do Vision and Hearing Impact Cognitive Health?

 

There are a few reasons experts believe our senses are tied to our cognitive health, starting with physiological factors. According to the New York Times: “The area of the brain that processes auditory information is close to the region most affected by Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting there may be an anatomical connection. Visual information is fed into another part of the brain, but how we use that information activates many different regions.”

 

With deteriorating eyesight and hearing, it reduces the activity in those areas and can lead to atrophy. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that cognitive decline can progress more rapidly in older adults with untreated vision or hearing impairments.

 

Another factor is social engagement: as older adults struggle with vision and hearing, they often withdraw from social situations, and there’s widespread data showing a link between loneliness and dementia. A 2021 study from the National Institute on Aging reported that 40% of seniors who experience hearing loss also face significant feelings of social isolation, which is a major risk factor for cognitive decline.

 

“The vision loss keeps you from going out to the party,” said Natalie Phillips, a professor of psychology at Concordia University in Montreal. “The hearing loss means you go to the party, but you sit in the corner and you don’t talk to anybody.”

 

A Focus on Eye Health for Seniors

 

According to the University of Michigan, over a quarter (28%) of adults over the age of 70 have some form of vision impairment. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older experience vision problems. So, how can older adults protect their eyesight—and by extension, their cognitive health? Here are a few things you can do:

• Have regular eye exams with a physician.

• If you already have glasses, let your physician know if you think you need to adjust your prescription.

• If you wear contacts, wash your hands before taking them out or putting them in to avoid infection.

• Wear sunglasses when it’s bright.

• Take breaks from screens.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are good for eyesight, such as leafy greens and carrots.

 

Hear The Latest About Auditory Health for Seniors

 

The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that 65% of Americans over the age of 71 have some level of hearing loss, and over the age of 90, that percentage jumps to 96%. Moreover, studies show that individuals with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive decline—by as much as 30-40% for those with severe hearing loss compared to their peers with normal hearing. So, what can you do? Here are a few possibilities:

• As with your eyesight, have your hearing tested regularly.

• Lower the volume of your television and devices.

• Don’t use Q-tips to clean your ears—visit a pharmacy for other options.

• Stay up to date with vaccinations, as viruses can cause hearing loss.

 

If you do have hearing loss, talk to your doctor about hearing aids. They’re much smaller and more effective than some of the bulky models of years past, with many people experiencing significant improvement in quality of life and reduced feelings of isolation after using them.

 

Preventing Falls in Older Adults

 

While this blog focuses on the link between vision and hearing and cognitive health, it’s worth mentioning that they are also vital factors in fall prevention.

 

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults, and vision problems contribute to more than half of fall incidents. Many falls suffered by older adults are caused by an inability to see a tripping hazard in their path or difficulty hearing another person or a pet coming from a blind spot. Maintaining vision and auditory health can help prevent falls. A study from the National Institute on Aging found that older adults with untreated vision and hearing impairments were twice as likely to fall compared to those without sensory impairments.

 

Wellness at McKay Creek Assisted Living

 

At McKay Creek Assisted Living, our team can help residents arrange vision and hearing tests if they’re concerned about diminishment in those areas. It’s part of our commitment to the overall health and well-being of our residents, with a dedicated care team attuned to each resident’s needs as we seek to help with health and longevity.

 

To learn more about our community or to schedule a tour, connect with our team at mckaycreekal.com or call us today at (541) 612-8213. We look forward to learning more about you!