Sensory Loss Cognitive Abilities

A growing number of studies have linked weak sensory functions like poor vision and hearing to a decline in cognitive abilities. National statistics show the number of Americans with poor vision, often undetected among older generation. In 2050, the number of older generation with poor vision will be double. Currently, untreated or undertreated hearing loss afflicts nearly two-thirds of adults over 70. Both vision and hearing impairment occur in at least one person at the age of 80 and older. A recent study published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), the result shows that nearly 3,000 older Americans and 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries had poor vision associated with poor cognition. The researchers used different measurements of cognitive abilities like memory, orientation and planning. The consistency of their findings suggest that the association between vision impairment and compromised brain function is real. According to Dr. Suzann Pershing, an ophthalmologist, “while this association doesn’t prove vision loss causes cognitive decline,” it does makes sense that the less engaged people are in the world, the less cognitive stimulation they receive, and the more likely their cognitive function will decline.” …show more content…
Mary A.M. Rogers and Kenneth M. Langa indicates that those with poor vision have higher risk of dementia. Also, those who did not visit an ophthalmologist had higher chances of experiencing cognitive decline, which can be also associated with hearing loss. However, it is not yet known whether having and regularly wearing proper hearing aids can decrease the risk of dementia or slow its encounter.
Dr. Lin found that those with hearing loss, that their cognitive will decline within six years. Also, older adults with hearing loss face an increased risk of dementia, which involved cognitive load, socially isolation, and most importantly, brain