{"id":1380,"date":"2022-03-10T20:59:59","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T01:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedhearingga.com\/?p=1380"},"modified":"2022-04-13T17:08:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:08:53","slug":"study-finds-unexpected-brain-shrinkage-in-patients-with-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedhearingga.com\/study-finds-unexpected-brain-shrinkage-in-patients-with-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Finds Unexpected Brain Shrinkage in Patients with Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While previous research has established a link between hearing loss and dementia<\/a>, a new study out of The Carle Illinois College of Medicine may offer additional insight into why that is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brain Differences in Alzheimer\u2019s Patients with Hearing Loss <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Doctor<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The study analyzed data from the Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. They compared MRIs of people with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (AD) and hearing loss to those with AD and normal hearing. They found a higher incidence of shrinkage in the brainstem and cerebellum<\/a> in patients with both hearing loss and AD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers were intrigued by the findings. They had expected participants with hearing loss to exhibit changes to the temporal lobe, where the brain processes language and sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a surprising finding but one that relates to newer studies that link Alzheimer\u2019s Disease with dysfunction in auditory function<\/a> which requires cerebellar activation,\u201d said Susie Kwok, medical student and collaborator on the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are hopeful their research might offer insight into the early detection and treatment of dementia, and whether or not hearing aids can play a role in prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Hearing Aids Prevent Cognitive Decline?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hearing aids<\/a> may be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline in people with hearing loss. When you struggle to hear your brain can be affected in multiple ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n