Grappling with Hearing Loss and Dementia

Hearing Loss Dementia diagnosis
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Hearing Loss and Dementia

 

During the past 30 years, audiology researchers have wondered about the correlation to hearing loss and Dementia tests. One of these tests is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). This is the most popular and commonly used test among over three quarters of psychiatrists and primary care physicians; it is used to determine cognitive function. Essentially, Studies show that reduced audibility significantly reduces scores on the MMSE, or Mini-Mental State Examination, resulting in greater apparent cognitive deficits and possible misdiagnosis of dementia. Though the MMSE is so widely used, there are still no standard national or international guidelines for testing a person with dementia. Dementia presents in varying degrees, sometimes two steps forward toward Dementia and one step back to normalcy. This means that there are still some weaknesses in our understanding of the auditory language, which results in misdiagnosis.

Eliminating Compounding Factors When Diagnosing Dementia

It was found that hearing loss is twice as likely in people with dementia. Trials and studies have shown that hearing loss is linked to lower results on verbally administered tests for dementia. Hearing loss and dementia are tied together in ongoing research, and  Other studies found that vision can also influence the results of these tests. Researchers noted that it is very important to reduce or eliminate these confounding factors, hearing or vision loss, since they can affect the results of the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination). Some may even critique its usefulness in diagnosing dementia. When a family is considering having their loved tested for Hearing Loss and Dementia, it is wise to speak with your physician or health care professional. Full auditory evaluation can avoid misdiagnosis.    

 

Housing for Mom or Dad are easy to find with Golden Placements:

Essentially, Golden Placements helps you manage resources and takes care of the leg work for finding your best living situation so you can enjoy your best Golden Years. In addition, GPS has ideas gathered over years of experience by being Senior Life Specialists.  Portland Senior Living and their various options from our Golden Girls specialists are IS NO COST. Community living and finding the right living choice for you or your loved one is important. We help you navigate the details. To conclude, here are more resources to help you learn more about our services:

 


Diane Delaney, Placement Specialist Extraordinaire

Diane Delaney, Golden Placement Services
Diane Delaney

Delaney is the founder of Golden Placement Services. She began this business with a healthy dose of compassion for  helping families make educated decisions regarding senior placement. Focused to relieve stress in uncertain senior housing crucial moments.  Diane brings about loving change of lifestyle with grace. Additionally, Diane is an accomplished executive manager, Director of Operations in senior housing. Emphatically, she enjoys sharing her experience. Diane enjoys writing about the full spectrum of the transition process for seniors and family members.   Read more from Senior Placement Specialist Diane: Ultimate Senior Living Resource Guide >>


LaVona Tomberlin, Senior Placement Specialist

LaVona Tomberlin
LaVona Tomberlin

Tomberlin brings a high level of education and experience to you as your Senior Placement Specialist at GPS. She loves writing about improving the lives of Elderly working in private care and in-home care for over 36 years. Geriatrics, Memory Care. In addition, she holds Master of Psychology Behavioral Health with the goal of advocating for those who needed a voice. Basically, LaVona believes helping the families make good decisions. She can help relieve stress in uncertain times making life worthwhile! Learn More: Read articles from Placement Specialist LaVona: End of Life Transition a heart felt Guide >>

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