subject: The Importance Of Having A Hearing Test Done Prior To One For Cognition [print this page] The thought of having a parent with dementia is very difficult. Perhaps you have been struggling with talking to them about getting tested. If you finally have convinced them to do so, that is great. Before you take them for the test, it is important to make another stop first. You should make sure that your loved one has had a recent hearing test. A problem in this area could cause the cognitive testing to come out completely wrong.
It is not uncommon for someone suffering from dementia to also have the inability to hear well, but having loss in this area does not mean that you have dementia. Someone who has trouble being able to hear may seem forgetful, distracted, and not mentally with-it. These are signs of dementia too. It would be wonderful if the problem with your loved one was their ears rather than their brain, because there is much more than can be done for the ears.
One of the causes of not being able to hear well is actually dementia in some cases because a person will forget how to hear as they have forgotten other things. This type of hearing loss cannot really be corrected with hearing aids.
Once you get the hearing test for your loved one and you get them the aid devices they may need; now you may be ready for them to have cognitive testing for dementia. Your loved one may end up with a completely different result than they would have without the other testing first.
Taking the time to research and really think things through things will help you as you deal with a relative who is struggling. There is a lot of knowledge to be obtained, and it is important to sift through what is good and what is not. It is important to be respectful and sensitive, but it is also important to nudge them along as well. Show them that you love them and want what is best for them, and hopefully they will not take it too hard.
If you do find out that your loved one has dementia, do not let that change the way that you treat him or her. An individual will need your love more than ever after this diagnosis. Hopefully, this is something that you will not need to be concerned with especially if you first have a hearing test done, but it is good to be prepared.
