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February 23, 2022 21 mins

Dr Dona Jayakody is a world-leading researcher who is pioneering research into the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In this episode, we will talk to Dona about how and why Hearing Loss contributes to cognitive decline, and how we can reduce the risk of dementia as we all get older. 

In this episode, you will learn

1.10 | What is cognitive decline? What are 'normal' memory issues versus when does it become a problem?

2.05 | Why and how does untreated hearing loss impact on depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, isolation and increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia? 

3.15 | Why it's really important to seek help early, to normalise getting hearing checked during midlife, like seeing the dentist or optometrist.

4.58 | Does research show Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants are an effective treatment to stave off dementia? 

5.35 | Ear Science is leading a large randomised controlled trial (HearCog) to see if we can delay or arrest dementia by treating Hearing Loss, recruiting participants now.

6.16 | What is the feedback from trial participants as a result of getting hearing aids?

9.05 | If we have loved ones experiencing dementia – is treating Hearing Loss important? Why is this, how does it help? 

11.50 | What is the impact of untreated hearing loss on mental wellbeing, psychosocial wellbeing, cognitive functions, quality of life in indigenous older adults? What are the barriers to seeking treatment? If we overcome these barriers, what impact are we going to see?

15.00 | Importance of using non-verbal cognitive assessments/screening, to get an accurate indication of cognitive function. 

18.45 | Key take away messages

This podcast provides information of a general nature and does not constitute medical advice. 

VIEW TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE 

Resources mentioned

To view this episode with captions & view complete list of references

WA Centre for Health and Ageing

About Dona Jayakody

More information on Hearing Loss & Dementia

More information on the HearCog Clinical Trial

Contact Us
enquiries@earscience.org.au
www.earscience.org.au
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