The symptoms of untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer's Disease

The symptoms of untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease are nearly identical. Untreated hearing loss is often mistaken for and attributed to dementia.

A University of Southern Florida study found that 94% of those diagnosed with memory loss also had uncorrected hearing loss. In order for something to be remembered, it must first be heard. If you didn't hear it, you can't remember it.

One of the major symptoms in both Alzheimer's disease and hearing loss is depression. Dutch researchers found that depression is a significant risk factor of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, Alzheimer's Disease is 25 times more likely in people with a history of depression. People with hearing loss are depressed. Hearing loss causes depression. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation which often leads to depression and a disconnect from the rest of the world.

Other symptoms common to both hearing loss and Alzheimer's.

• Negativism
• Anxiety
• Passivity
• Reduced Language Comprehension
• Reduced mental scores
• Distrust and paranoia
• Loss of independence

The American Medical Association said that hearing loss correlates significantly with the level of cognitive decline in older adults.

One third of patients diagnosed with "senile" dementia were reclassified into a less severe category after being treated for their hearing loss. 50% of patients diagnosed with dementia improved when their hearing loss was caught and treated early. 100% of caregivers said there was improvement in behavior and communication.

Since there is no definitive test for Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis is based on the symptoms and behaviors and test that are administered verbally and that assume normal hearing.

No diagnosis of dementia should be made without a complete hearing assessment.