Sound advice on dementia causes
DEMENTIA is one of the biggest problems of modern life. It’s estimated that 47 million people around the world are suffering with numbers expected to almost treble to 131 million by 2050, according to report presented to the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.
The causes are many, and yet while so often there’s nothing we can do about it, more than a third of cases are believed avoidable if we simply looked after ourselves. Lifestyle factors are to blame. Smoking, physical inactivity and obesity are all in there but the biggest single cause (nine per cent of cases) is hearing loss.
Researchers believe hearing loss in middle age can deny people a life of contentment and lead to isolation and depression. Yet, on average people who experience hearing loss wait 10 years before taking any action.
Yet, if you have even a suspicion that your hearing might be getting worse, there’s no reason to delay. UK Hearing Care offers free hearing tests, its five-phase assessment is the most thorough in the country.
It’s reckoned that for every year of untreated hearing loss, it can take a week to rehabilitate with whatever solution is appropriate – yet in many cases
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it can take much longer if left unchecked.
UK Hearing Care’s audiologists work closely with patients on an individual basis, helping you learn to listen again and guiding you through everything you need to get the best from your solution.
Tests are available at more than 80 Age UK locations around the country but audiologists can make home visits or call at wherever is most convenient.
“Acting now will vastly improve life for people and their families and, in doing so, will transform the future of society,” says Professor Gill Livingston of University College London, lead author of the report.
“Although dementia is diagnosed in later life, the brain changes usually begin to develop years before.”
Dr Doug Brown, director of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, says: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer – we all need to be aware of the risks and start making positive lifestyle changes.”
The first step is simple – and can dramatically improve your life whether Alzheimer’s is lurking or not.
Call UK Hearing Care free on 0808 272 3412 to speak to a specialist and book a free hearing assessment.