What do hearing loss and stress levels have in common? Reducing both can lead to healthier aging in the long run, including a decrease in cognitive decline.
Studies show that higher stress throughout life can lead to a greater chance of cognitive decline in one’s later years.
Take Charge of Your Future
Now’s a great time to take steps toward living a happier, healthier life, regardless of your current age. The sooner healthier habits take root, the better the chances that you can enjoy the things about life you love most for many decades to come.
The best place to start is with a few simple, easy-to-do activities that can give you an edge starting today:
- Make a habit of going on brisk walks throughout the week.
- Check in with your primary care provider if you have not had a physical exam in more than a year.
- Eat a healthy diet, making sure you consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Address any sleep issues, including sleep apnea—snoring, waking up gasping during the night and not feeling rested in the morning are all signs of the condition.
- Get a hearing test to get an edge on hearing loss, a progressive condition that can enhance the effects of cognitive decline in later years, and address any hearing loss with the appropriate treatment.
More research continues to show that there is indeed a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. One such study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), concluded that individuals with untreated hearing loss had a 24% increase in cognitive decline.
Thankfully, hearing aids have been proven to help. A study published by the University of Melbourne reveals that 97% of study participants showed improvement in executive function, including their ability to plan, organize information and perform common everyday tasks.
Self-care is not selfish. When you lower your stress levels, enhance your ability to communicate with your loved ones and set time aside for activities that matter to you, everyone around you wins.
Remember that it’s never too early to stay proactive with your health and seek treatment as soon as possible—even if you show no obvious symptoms of hearing loss. A healthier, happier you could be as simple as taking a hearing test today.
Call (248) 844-2966 to schedule a consultation.