With June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, now is an ideal time to hear what is possible. From a public health policy perspective, this is a crucial topic for our beloved that are affected, caregivers and those following in their footsteps.
As stated in a prestigious medical journal, “Acting now on dementia prevention, intervention and care will vastly improve living and dying for individuals with dementia and their families, and in doing so, will transform the future for our society. Overall, about 80% of dementias are in people aged 75 years and older, while the number of people with this condition is expected to increase to 66 million by 2030 and 131 million by 2050, driven by rising numbers of older adults.” 1
While quality of life imperatives are vital, economic impacts are immense, estimated at US $818 billion globally, accelerating towards 1 trillion dollars and beyond. At an individual level, reputable resources estimate these median costs for U.S. based long-term care services in 2022:
- Non-medical home health aide at $28 per hour, which is $1,113 per 40-hour week
- Assisted living facilities at $4,635 per month or $55,620 per year
- Semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility at $268 per day or $97,747 per year2
While more should be fully aware of these remarkable prevalence and cost statistics, The Lancet research study indicated hearing loss is one of the most important modifiable risk factors, along with related medical conditions and lifestyle issues such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, social isolation and depression. Evidence shows social isolation may be a risk factor for dementia, indicating the essential role of communication wellness in quality of life.
As shown, sensory overload or overstimulation appears to be associated, a key reason why increasing cognitive reserves via physical exercise, intellectual stimulation and leisure activities may have preventative benefits. The growing evidence that healthy habits which promote mental resilience can be beneficial makes sense.
1 The Lancet, Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission, Volume 396, Issue 10248, 2020, Pages 413-446
2 https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/planning-for-care-costs
Please invest a few minutes to learn from these alz.org resources:
Research indicates proactively addressing identifiable risk factors may prevent, delay onset of or reduce the negative impact associated with dementia. For example, it is estimated that a 10% reduction in the prevalence of seven principal health and lifestyle factors would reduce worldwide dementia prevalence by more than a million cases.
In the meantime, scientific studies focus on potential brain mechanisms for preventative strategies in dementia including preserved hearing, increased brain cognitive reserve, rich social networks, mitigating depression and reduced brain damage from vascular, neurotoxic or oxidative stress.
Did you know? Research indicates if 9 crucial risk factors were completely eliminated, new cases and negative impact may be reduced by approximately 35%.
These risk factors include:
- Hearing Loss
- Smoking
- Depression
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Social Isolation
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.
Good Humor, Healthy Hearing
These highlights explain why, as part of an evidence-based medical regimen, Better Hearing is Better Healthcare. Are you or any loved ones experiencing early signs and symptoms of dementia? By seeing us periodically, we can accurately evaluate your current hearing status and provide personalized solutions which empower you to hear your best, socialize in pleasurable ways and nurture mental resilience.
As always, in close coordination with your other medical providers, we will suggest healthy options to enhance your quality of life for years to come. We are here to help, compassionately delivering the trusted wellness information you need and personal touch you deserve.
As May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, we should all be acutely aware of how Communication Wellness can positively influence our daily mindsets, personal productivity and joy of hearing. Now is the time to take control and spread the word about how Better Hearing is Better Healthcare. Please contact us to schedule your personal consultation and encourage your loved ones to do the same. The sounds of spring are precious and we are genuinely at your service.
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Meet Our Doctor
To health and staying connected,
Dr. Peter Marincoivch
