Acoustic neuroma and dementia

[Dawn from MN]

I've read there is a connection between hearing loss and an increase in developing dementia. Are AN patients at an even higher risk of dementia?

[donjehle]

Hi Dawn,

I was going to joke and say that I also read about the connection with dementia, but I can't remember what it said! 

[TrueKnits]

I believe if a clear link existed doctors would have found it by now, though that does not discount the cases of some patients who clearly have dementia along with hearing loss.
I think we have enough to concern ourselves with in the short term.
Personally I have experienced some cognitive decline since January.
It is strange. It feels as though my brain is a drive that has lost nearly all its RAM.  I still am able to access data, just at slow speed and through concentration. There is a hesitancy in my spoken conversations as I sometimes pause to select the proper word, but I am always able to articulate my thoughts.
The concentration is exhausting.

[Jordybutt]

TrueKnits,
I am also experiencing cognitive decline very similar to what you have described. Also my memory (which was already faulty) seems worse. I am hoping that it’s the stress and anxiety causing the cognitive and memory issues but I can’t help and wonder if it’s something physical from the AN.
Jordy

[drumfest]

If interested, check out the book Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta.  You should be able to borrow it from your local library.  I checked out the ebook from mine and then purchased a hard copy because I enjoyed it so much.  It doesn't address the AN question concerning dementia, but the book is all about preserving cognitive abilities and mitigating dementia & alzheimers progression.  I continue to practice the recommendations in the book daily.
Hope you all find this useful.

[mwatto]

Hearing loss has been linked to dementia and my audiologist stressed this to me though I dont have too much loss (4 years CK) however I wont hesitate to hget hearing aids if I need them same with having yearly optometrist appointments. We need all our faculties along with moderate exercise and healthy diet. I play chess twice a day with husband we do do chess puzzles as well. I had cognitive fog after the vax (neuro inflammation) but worked on that with a few supplements and gone now. We listen to music all day also and get sufficient sleep - battle with this though hence melatonin etc.

[4givvvn]

The discussion is quite interesting and I would like to express my opinion.

You see, dementia tends to be quite common among individuals who experience isolation. Hearing loss can actually contribute to a person isolating themselves and potentially developing dementia. I believe it's highly dependent on how well the individual mentally copes with the loss of their hearing.

But still, at the first signs, I recommend you to undergo a neuropsych evaluation in NYC.

[donjehle]

Thank you, 4givvvn, for posting those encouraging words!