Know the signs and symptoms of dementia

Monday 26 September 2022

Knowing the signs and symptoms of dementia is vital in helping those with the condition to secure the right help, and post-diagnosis support often makes a real difference.

That’s why, this World Alzheimer’s Month, the teams that deliver eye and hearing tests at home for Specsavers have joined forces to talk about how keeping sight and hearing healthy can help people to enjoy a more enriched life. 

Research has found that those with age-related hearing loss who wear a hearing aid can maintain better brain function over time than people who don’t – which could help to reduce their risk of dementia. 

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, says: ‘Hearing loss has similar symptoms to early signs of dementia - with people struggling to communicate.

'People with moderate to severe hearing loss are up to five times as likely to develop dementia. We also know that hearing loss can speed up the onset of dementia or make the symptoms of dementia appear worse.'

‘This is why regular hearing tests are so important in helping to reduce the risk. The earlier any problems are identified, the sooner protective measures like hearing aids can be introduced.’

Listening is shown to be a powerful tool in helping these who are living with dementia, including supporting language skills and memory - making being able to hear well even more important.