scholarly journals Sensory Loss and Cognitive Decline among Older Adults: An Analysis of Mediation and Moderation Effects of Loneliness

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 926-927
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Ge ◽  
Wei Pan ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Brenda Plassman ◽  
XinQi Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Multiple studies have reported that hearing and vision loss are linked to cognitive decline. Yet little is known about factors that may influence the association between sensory loss and cognitive decline. This study examined if loneliness mediates or moderates the impact of sensory loss on cognitive decline as individuals age. This was a longitudinal study using data (N = 243) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (2006 – 2014) and its supplement: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) (Wave C). Hearing loss was defined by an inability to hear pure-tone stimuli of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 – 4.0 kHz in either ear. Vision loss was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Loneliness was measured by the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Longitudinal parallel-process (LPP) analysis was conducted at a significance level of α = .05 (one-tailed). Loneliness moderated but did not mediate the associations between vision loss and the rate of cognitive decline (standardized β = -.108, p < .05). No moderation or mediation effect of loneliness was found for the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Both hearing and vision loss were significantly associated with increased severity of loneliness. Vision loss combined with an elevated level of loneliness may produce a more synergistic, deleterious impact on older adults’ cognitive function than vision loss alone. This study highlights the importance of promoting a healthy social and psychological status for older adults with vision loss.

scholarly journals Use of Music Therapy as an Audiological Rehabilitation Tool in the Elderly Population: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Impact

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.

scholarly journals SCREENING FOR VISION AND HEARING LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S120-S121
Author(s):  
Katherine McGilton ◽  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Marilyn Reed ◽  
Tammy Labreche ◽  
M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Dual Sensory Loss

Abstract Sensory loss accounts for one of the most common chronic conditions among older adults, with hearing loss affecting half of adults aged over 65 years and vision loss almost one fifth of those aged 70 years and over. Together, dual sensory loss is found to be most prevalent in older adults with dementia. The highest prevalence is found in long-term care (LTC) settings. For this reason, we conducted a multi-stage study to identify the most effective vision and hearing screening tools for use with older adults living with dementia and to evaluate their feasibility of use by nurses working in LTC. We first conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, and supplemented this with an environmental scan of healthcare professionals and sensory specialists working with older adults who have dementia. Following this extensive review and consultative decision-making process, a package of vision and hearing screening tools was selected for use by nurses working in LTC. On-site training was provided by two experienced audiologists and optometrists, after which the feasibility of sensory screening by three nurses of 17 residents under their care was evaluated. We report on the six measures of hearing and seven measures of vision that were piloted for screening of older adults with dementia living in LTC, and on the findings for their feasibility of use by nurses working in this setting. Recommendations regarding the feasibility and reliability of screening for vision and hearing loss in older adults with dementia are discussed.

scholarly journals Hearing aids to support cognitive functions of older adults at risk of dementia: the HearCog trial- clinical protocols

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dona M. P. Jayakody ◽  
Osvaldo P. Almeida ◽  
Andrew H. Ford ◽  
Marcus D. Atlas ◽  
Nicola T. Lautenschlager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Globally, about 50 million people were living with dementia in 2015, with this number projected to triple by 2050. With no cure or effective treatment currently insight, it is vital that factors are identified which will help prevent or delay both age-related and pathological cognitive decline and dementia. Observational data have suggested that hearing loss is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, but no conclusive evidence from randomised controlled trials is currently available. Methods The HearCog trial is a 24-month, randomised, controlled clinical trial aimed at determining whether a hearing loss intervention can delay or arrest the cognitive decline. We will randomise 180 older adults with hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment to a hearing aid or control group to determine if the fitting of hearing aids decreases the 12-month rate of cognitive decline compared with the control group. In addition, we will also determine if the expected clinical gains achieved after 12 months can be sustained over an additional 12 months and if losses experienced through the non-correction of hearing loss can be reversed with the fitting of hearing aids after 12 months. Discussion The trial will also explore the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control arm and the impact of hearing aids on anxiety, depression, physical health and quality of life. The results of this trial will clarify whether the systematic correction of hearing loss benefits cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. We anticipate that our findings will have implications for clinical practice and health policy development. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR: 12618001278224), registered on 30.07.2018.

scholarly journals LONGITUDINAL INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSORY LOSS, SOCIAL SUPPORT, LONELINESS, AND COGNITION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S818-S818
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Ge ◽  
Wei Pan ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Brenda Plassman ◽  
Eleanor S McConnell
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Parsimonious Model ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract This study aims to understand the roles that psychosocial factors play on the longitudinal associations between sensory (including hearing and vision) loss and cognitive decline. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) loneliness mediates the associations between sensory loss and cognitive decline; and (2) social support moderates the associations between sensory loss and cognitive decline. We used longitudinal parallel process (LPP) modeling with data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Aging, Demographics, and Memory study (ADAMS). Age variable centered at its mean age of 82. In the most parsimonious model, loneliness fully mediated the associations between vision loss and the average cognitive status at age 82 (p < .05). Social support moderated the associations between vision loss and the average cognitive status at age 82 (β= .14, p < .05). No moderation or mediation effect was found for the psychosocial factors on the associations between hearing loss and cognition.

Near Vision but not Hearing Loss is Associated with Lacking a Usual Source of Health Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110143
Author(s):  
Adam Simning ◽  
Thomas V. Caprio ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yeates Conwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Near Vision ◽  
Environmental Covariates ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Usual Source

Objectives: Sensory loss may be a barrier to accessing healthcare services, and this study seeks to examine the association of sensory loss with whether older adults report having a usual source of health care. Methods: Our study included 7548 older adults who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study in 2015. Having a self-reported usual source of health care was our outcome, and hearing and vision loss were our primary independent variables. Results: In multivariate analysis accounting for demographics, socioeconomic, health status, and environmental covariates, near vision loss but not distance vision or hearing loss was associated with decreased odds of having a usual source of health care. Discussion: That older adults with near vision loss were less likely to report having a usual source of health care is concerning. Examining barriers to care is needed to identify sensory loss-relevant processes to optimize and intervene upon.

The Impact of Subjective and Objective Hearing Loss on Cognition and Memory in Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Rogalski ◽  
Amy Rominger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Reading Aloud ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Professional Collaboration ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Text Passage ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Audiologic Evaluation

For this exploratory cross-disciplinary study, a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist collaborated to investigate the effects of objective and subjective hearing loss on cognition and memory in 11 older adults without hearing loss (OAs), 6 older adults with unaided hearing loss (HLOAs), and 16 young adults (YAs). All participants received cognitive testing and a complete audiologic evaluation including a subjective questionnaire about perceived hearing difficulty. Memory testing involved listening to or reading aloud a text passage then verbally recalling the information. Key findings revealed that objective hearing loss and subjective hearing loss were correlated and both were associated with a cognitive screening test. Potential clinical implications are discussed and include a need for more cross-professional collaboration in assessing older adults with hearing loss.

scholarly journals Do Communication Patterns Affect the Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hearing Loss among Older Adults in Vietnam?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Tran Dai Tri Han ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Vo Nu Hong Duc ◽  
Thang Van Vo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Multiple Sensory Deficits in Older Adults in BLSA and ARIC Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 804-805
Author(s):  
Nicole Armstrong ◽  
Jennifer Deal ◽  
Hang Wang ◽  
Jennifer Schrack ◽  
Qu Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽  
Sensory Deficits ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk ◽  
Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Individual sensory deficits have been associated with adverse outcomes, including dementia, in older adults. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (N=259) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) (N=962), we examined the prevalence of one, two, or three sensory deficits (hearing, vision, and olfaction) among older adults ≥70 years. Any hearing loss was the most prevalent sensory deficit (70-79 year-olds: 41.3% [BLSA] and 51.2% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 82.6% [BLSA] and 74.2% [ARIC]), followed by vision loss and olfactory loss. Hearing and vision impairments were more prevalent than hearing and olfactory losses as well as vision and olfactory losses in both age groups and studies There were few people with deficits in all three senses (70-79 year-olds: 3.3% [BLSA] and 2.0% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 5.8% [BLSA] and 7.4% [ARIC]). Further research should investigate the potential impact of multisensory impairments on older adults.

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