October 2024 Newsletter: Audiology Awareness Month

Research has increasingly highlighted the link between hearing loss and an elevated risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. By prioritizing hearing health, we not only enhance communication and social engagement but also potentially mitigate the onset of dementia-related symptoms. Read on to hear how CADDCT, Audiologist, and Neuroscientist Dr. Keith Darrow is working to bring awareness to the connection between hearing loss and dementia diagnoses!
Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline: An Audiologist & Neuroscientists Mission to Prevent Dementia Through Addressing Hearing Loss

Dr. Keith Darrow originally trained as an Audiologist at Brooklyn College before going on to obtain a Doctoral degree in Neuroscience from MIT and Harvard. He is a researcher, author, speaker and dementia advocate. As a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) he has trained more than 1000 Audiologists to become Certified Dementia Practitioners. His career journey, from audiology to neuroscience has shaped his mission to address hearing loss as a key factor in reducing dementia risk.

“What I learned early on in my education is that hearing starts out at the ear, but we genuinely don’t hear with our ears, we hear with our brains. Hearing has significant influence over the brain. Nearly the entire brain is stimulated by sound. From the frontal cortex to the occipital lobe (and everywhere in between) where we process the world of sounds around us. This includes areas of the brain devoted to memory, executive function, processing, attention, memory recall. In the 1950’s, we learned hearing affects cognition. In the 60’s it was that hearing affects remembering things. In the 80’s, we discovered that people with hearing loss have higher rates of dementia. In 2011, Johns Hopkins published that hearing loss contributes to a 200%-500% increase in dementia risk. And now, according to the Lancet report – nearly 50% of all dementia cases are preventable, and #1 on the list of preventable risk factors is addressing hearing loss.”

50% of all dementia cases are preventable, and #1 on the list

of preventable risk factors is addressing hearing loss

As we get older, everyone will experience hearing loss, although the degree and extent are variable. Interestingly, the symptoms of cognitive decline and hearing loss in older adults are ~80% similar, making proper identification critical.

“I do cognitive screenings on all my patients; and in return, I wish it were the case that all patients diagnosed with mild cognitive decline underwent a hearing assessment. I want to emphasize that a person with memory loss who cannot hear is at a severe disadvantage. A person is more apt to be engaged and socially active if they can hear and interact with those around him. The last thing you want to do to a person with cognitive decline is allow them to suffer in silence by isolating them with hearing loss.”

Three data points in the research tells us that: 1) People with hearing loss are at risk for cognitive decline. 2) People who have difficulty hearing with background noise are 60% more likely to develop cognitive decline within 10 years. 3) People with tinnitus are at a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline and tinnitus.

“I believe it is very important for hearing healthcare providers to play a role in early detection and prevention. Given the current state of our busy healthcare system – less than 16% of patients are even asked about memory concerns (whereas 98% of patient have their blood pressure checked routinely!). The current healthcare system doesn’t have the time to or resourced to screen all older adults for cognitive decline. I believe one of the best avenues to increase early identification of patients with cognitive concerns is in sensory care settings. Ophthalmology, Optometry and Audiology all see patients at increased risk. Once screened, we can then send the results back to the PCP to dive deeper, and who can then refer to a neurocognitive specialist when necessary.”

“There have been clinical breakthroughs in pharmacology that have been able to delay the progression of memory loss in patients with cognitive decline and dementia by up to six months. This is a major improvement that will continue to develop. However, The ACHIEVE study out of Johns Hopkins found that for people with cognitive impairment, if you treat their hearing loss, it slows their cognitive decline over a three-year timeframe. If you have someone early on in cognitive decline, or early-stage dementia – if you can slow the decline for 3 years, that’s 5 times better than an FDA approved memory drug treatment. Treating hearing loss can improved memory, engagement, processing, and help keep people active and stimulated.”

Dr. Darrow has trained over 1000 hearing care providers through his Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care course. He became a trainer when COVID presented him with both the time and opportunity to complete the training. “This course made a lot of sense to add to my current teaching roster”. He brought the curricula to the American Academy of Audiology and International Hearing society to obtain CEU credit for Audiology which made it even more appealing to Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialist at large. Going from concept to execution was a long process. It took a year to go through the CEU approvals. He took time to get the marketing right, and in the 2.5 years since, more than 1000 students have gone through a mix of both live and virtual courses. For Dr. Darrow, it helps to have a niche to set him apart from the crowd of CDP instructors, but he acknowledged that the adult care industry is vast and has many niches, including nutrition, physical exercise, etc., that would benefit from having these courses offered.

Dr. Darrow is the author of several books including his latest: Preventing Decline: Advances in the Medical Treatment of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus. You can learn more about Dr. Darrow’s work and find his books at https://drkeithdarrow.com

Welcome, Lisa Lorius!

The newest VP of Corporate Training for NCCDP

Lisa Lorius has dedicated her life to the world of healthcare from her formative years. Boasting an illustrious career, she has donned the roles of a Nursing Home Administrator and a Certified Assisted Living Director for over two decades.

On a personal note, Lisa’s compassion and commitment shine through as she has overseen the patient-centered care of multiple family members navigating the challenges of dementia.

In her professional sphere, her expertise stands unmatched, having significantly contributed to the care and support of numerous residents grappling with various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. Not just a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Lisa also possesses an academic background with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University.

Lisa is the Founder and Owner of Apple Blossom Unlimited, LLC. She has a passion for sharing dementia education, caregiver resources, and practical tools for dementia management. She has shared Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Training with hundreds of people across the world and is looking forward to bringing it you and/or your team as well!

 

LLorius Headshot

Dementia CEU Series for Nursing Professionals NCCDP in Partnership with AlzBetter​

Explore Best Practices for Person-Centered Dementia Care

Dementia CEU Series for Nursing Professionals. NCCDP in Partnership with AlzBetter. NCCDP National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Accredited Provider for the American Nurses Credential Center. AlzBetter, The Dementia Care Experts

The Dementia CEU Series consists of 16 foundational courses on topics such as behavioral interventions, personalized care strategies, and managing complex cognitive conditions. While primarily aimed at nursing professionals, these courses are also relevant for direct care workers and professionals in long-term care.

Pricing options include individual courses and bundles for NCCDP members and non-members, with certificates available upon completion.

NCCDP members qualify for significant discounts on the program!

These courses have been accredited for continuing education content by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commision on Accreditation, providing a total of 8 CEUs.

“I have taken many CE courses over my nursing career. Most of the courses help check a box, but I often find them boring and not adding much to my education. I found the NCCDP/AlzBetter nursing courses were actually very informative and interesting. They are definitely helping enhance my dementia education as a nurse.”

Jamie Rybak RN

NCCDP Webinar
Interview with a Caregiver: The Good, The Bad, and The Burt

Given the proper perspective, being a professional care partner or a personal carer is rewarding even during challenges. Being both at the same time often requires an accessory……rose-colored glasses!

Join us as we hear from Kari Johnson, VP of Corporate Training, and a professional care partner for over 25 years and a personal carer for her father for 16 years. Burt had a hemorrhagic stroke in 2007, struggled with alcoholism, and was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

By attending, you will learn more about dementia from the care partner’s perspective. We need to understand, support, and partner with the care partner to provide compassionate, effective dementia care.

Kari will share the challenges, lessons, strategies, and joy of both roles and perspective changes when it is personal. Topics covered include daily care, leisure, health and safety, and more. Come with questions, as Kari is an open book. Burt would say it’s going to be FANTASTIC!

  • Date:  Thursday, October 17, 2024
  • Time: Eastern Time 12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Location: Live-Online (Zoom login provided in registration confirmation email)
  • Price: $35.00
  • CEU’s: 1.5 hours approved for NCCDP certification renewals

Congratulations, Robin Walters!

NCCDP would like to congratulate Robin for her OUTSTANDING work in teaching over 170 students who then became CDPs since March of 2024!

Robin Walters

Interested in a live and in-person ADDC Seminar?

Attend our in-person seminar in Longmeadow, MA this November!
  • Date: November 7, 2024
  • Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
  • Location: JGS Lifecare 770 Converse St, Longmeadow MA
  • Price: $195.00
  • Trainer: David Bahamonde

Questions? Email Rebecca at Rebecca@nccdp.org

Upcoming Seminars:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar:

Wednesday, October 9: ONLINE- Eastern Time SOLD OUT

Friday, October 25: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!

Tuesday, October 29: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!

Wednesday, November 6: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!

Wednesday, November 7: IN-PERSON Click HERE to Register!

Thursday, November 14: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!

Tuesday, November 19: ONLINE- Pacific Time Click HERE to Register!

Wednesday, December 4: ONLINE- Pacific Time Click HERE to Register!

Thursday, December 12: ONLINE- Pacific Time Click HERE to Register!

Friday, January 10: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!

Wednesday, January 15: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!

Thursday, January 30: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!

Montessori Concepts in Dementia Care Seminar:

Tuesday, November 12: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE To Register!

Interested in Certification?

Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer (CMDCPT)

As a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer, you will be certified to present our Montessori Concepts in Dementia Care (MCDC) curriculum to professionals across multiple industries within the geriatric healthcare industry.

Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP)

This certification is open to all healthcare professionals, front-line staff, clergy, and other medical professionals who work in and around the geriatric healthcare industry and have at least one full year of paid experience. It focuses on person-centered care, maintaining independence, and avoiding infantilization.

Healthcare Observances:

All Month:

  • Audiology Awareness Month
  • National Dental Hygiene Month
  • American Pharmacists Month
  • National Physical Therapy Month
  • Health Literacy Month
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month
  • Depression Awareness Month

Weeks:

  • October 6-12: Mental Illness Awareness Week

  • October 6-12: National Primary Care Week
  • October 6-12: National PA Week
  • October 6-12: Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
  • October 12-20: Bone and Joint Health Action Week
  • October 13-19: National Health Education Week
  • October 14-18: Medical Assistants Recognition Week
  • October 15-21: International Infection Prevention Week

Days:

  • October 10: World Mental Health Day

  • October 10: World Sight Day

October 21st is the International Day of the Nacho!

Make sure to go out (or stay in) and enjoy your favorite nachos!

Nachos

About the Author

Picture of NCCDP Staff

NCCDP Staff

The NCCDP staff consists of a full team of experts in dementia care & education.