Thanks for bringing this information to the forefront, Christine. Every one of our senses is important, and when our brains aren't stimulated isolation can occur. I cared for a man who went completely deaf from disease early in his life. Isolation became more and more of a problem for him as his hearing loss increased. With me, he could communicate, as he'd talk and I'd write to answers to him (while I visited) and we set up a system so he could make phone calls with me as the "translator." It took some time, but he was able to stay in touch with friends and family, which definitely helped his cognitive ablility and, of course, his mood.
Take care and thanks for you terrific posts!
Carol
I have been caring for my mom for almost 5 months now. In the evening her confusion increases significantly, wonders if she lives here (she has been in the same house for nearly 50 years), where my sisters are and what she has done wrong that they aren't here. I have asked her how old she thinks I am and how old she is. During these episodes she thinks she is in her middle 40's and I should be about 20. Another issue, particularly in the evening is she seems to have increased difficulty hearing. She has worn hearing aids for about 3-4 years, but they just do not seem to help at night. Can hearing problems intensify when sundowning?
Hi
I know that if people have tinnitus hearing can be worse at night so it could be that this contributes to her hearing deteriorating at night. It could also be that she is more confused and distracted by her mental state with her 'sundowning', this would also has the same effect.
Low grade ear pain caused by wax or infection can also increase at night discomfort and hearing at night.
The only way to find out is to get her checked out by her doctor. It may help reduce her confusion if there is a physical cause for her problem. Her hearing aids may need to be upgraded to allow better communication. See what her doctor thinks.
I would be very interested to know what happens and find out if there is any improvement. Sharing this type of information can be so helpful to other caregivers.
All my best wishes
Christine
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Great article Christine. Do you have any more info about the UCLA study that you mention in your article?
Hi Dan
Thank you for your interest in this area of Alzheimer's. Here is the link to information on the research being carried out at the UCL by Hannah Golden. She is doing a three-year project at the Institute's Dementia Research Centre, Dept of Neurodegenerative Disease into hearing and Alzheimer's.
All my best wishes
Christine