Taking action on Dementia
Post on 23rd May 2018
Community events are being staged all around the UK to mark Dementia Action Week and Scrivens is joining in to show its support.
From bake and book sales to raffles, fun competitions and eye-catching fancy dress, our branches are raising funds and awareness for our chosen charity Alzheimer’s Society.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia; the charity estimates 23 million people have a close friend or family member with dementia.
It’s a cause we care about, not just because of the increasing number of lives it touches, but also because of the growing evidence of a link between uncorrected hearing loss and dementia.
It is believed that hearing loss might add to the ‘cognitive load’ of a vulnerable brain, which creates changes in the brain.
Hearing loss can lead to social disengagement or depression and accelerated atrophy – the degeneration of cells, all of which could contribute to accelerated cognitive decline.
There is certainly a need for further research into the role of hearing technology in the prevention of dementia.
The importance of looking after our hearing and taking action when we start to lose this vital sense cannot be under-estimated.
For most people hearing loss occurs over the age of 50 but it can happen at any age. Scrivens recommend an annual hearing health check for anyone over 50 to identify any changes and see what action is needed.
We provide a free NHS hearing service for people who are eligible and have been referred by their GP. If you have any concerns about your hearing please call into your nearest branch for help and advice.