Get Ahead of Cognitive Decline with Cognitive Screening Tests
Catch the signs before they become symptoms. At Bloor Hearing Clinic, we offer Cognivue cognitive screening tests for cognitive decline detection as part of our comprehensive hearing assessments. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems or communication difficulties, this screening may help detect cognitive impairment early, before symptoms worsen. Take the next step in protecting your cognitive health today!
How Are Hearing and Cognition Related to Each Other?
Hearing and cognition are deeply connected. When your ears can’t capture sounds clearly, your brain works harder to fill in the gaps. Over time, this constant strain may induce fatigue and reduce your brain’s ability to process and retain information. That’s why hearing impairment isn’t just an ear issue; it’s also a brain health concern. If you’re noticing signs of both hearing difficulty and memory issues, hearing tests Toronto, combined with cognitive screening, may provide early insight.
Aging Comes with Changes in Auditory Processing and Cognitive Ability
As we age, it’s normal to experience a decline in auditory processing and our cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These changes can affect your ability to follow conversations, especially in noisy places, leaving you with feelings of social isolation.
Why Our Hearing Evaluations Incorporate Cognitive Screening
Hearing loss and cognitive impairment often go hand in hand. They’ve often been linked to incident cognitive impairment as well as accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. Moreover, hearing loss is the leading risk factor for dementia that can be readily addressed, detected early, and treated. Hearing loss symptoms also frequently mirror the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.
This is why our clinic offers cognitive screening tests as part of your hearing assessment, enabling you not only to address potential hearing concerns but also to help prevent or slow cognitive decline.
People with Hearing Difficulties May Have Trouble Asking for Help
Many older adults with hearing loss or mild cognitive decline may not recognize the extent of their challenges or may feel too embarrassed to speak up. Our empathetic team ensures screenings are done in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
How Hearing Aids Help
Research shows that treating hearing loss with properly fitted hearing aids can slow the rate of cognitive decline. For this given population, hearing aid use was associated with a nearly 50% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline over a three-year period. Improving your hearing ability optimizes cognitive resources to focus on memory, executive function, and communication.
How We Conduct Cognitive Screenings with Cognivue
At Bloor Hearing Clinic, we use the Cognivue Thrive device to perform cognitive screening tests for dementia in a clinical yet comfortable setting. The tests are self-administered, objective, non-biased, and non-invasive, with the entire screening taking only 10-15 minutes.
You will be asked to identify letters, words, shapes, and motor movements to assess the following skills:
Adaptive psychophysics used during the tests adjusts the test difficulty based on your ability.
Test results do not depend on auditory stimuli, which means any hearing difficulties you have will not affect how well you do. You will receive an automated report (that is straightforward and easy to understand) along with lifestyle recommendations to help manage or improve your documented cognitive performance.
Who Needs to Undergo Cognitive Screening
We recommend cognitive screening for adults aged 60 and above, especially those with hearing loss, cognitive complaints (such as with memory, attention, and problem-solving), or difficulty with daily tasks. Family physicians often refer patients for further evaluation when early signs of cognitive impairment appear.
What Are the Benefits of Early Cognitive Screening?
Detecting cognitive impairment early allows patients and families to make informed healthcare decisions. It opens the door to treatment options, clinical trials, and lifestyle changes that can improve brain function and slow cognitive decline. Early detection may also help distinguish between dementia, mood disorders, and other underlying health conditions with treatment options.
Common Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive decline doesn’t happen overnight, and in many cases, may also be linked to other health and lifestyle factors. These may include:
Untreated hearing loss
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Depression and mood disorders
Low education level
Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
Physical inactivity and poor diet
One of the most overlooked risks is untreated hearing loss, which can strain the brain and accelerate memory issues over time. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes may also increase the risks by affecting blood flow to the brain.
Mental well-being is another critical factor. Depression and other mood disorders have been associated with cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. A lower level of formal education, limited physical activity, and a poor diet may also contribute to mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, your personal risk may be higher. Recognizing these factors early allows you and your healthcare provider to take preventive steps, including timely cognitive screening and lifestyle adjustments that may help preserve brain function.
Several health and lifestyle factors may increase the risks associated with cognitive decline. Understanding your risks can help guide early screening and preventive action.
Lifestyle Habits for Better Cognition
Lifestyle matters just as much as your genetic makeup. Your daily habits can make a significant difference in prevention and management of your risks. Adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can help slow cognitive decline and support memory, focus, and mental clarity as you age.
One of the most powerful tools is staying socially connected. Staying connected can help keep your brain engaged and sharp. This can be simply by doing any of the following:
Physical activity
Planning, decision-making, and attention
Regular interaction with friends, family, or community groups
You can also challenge your mind through activities that stimulate different cognitive domains, such as:
Puzzles
Reading
Learning a new language
Picking up a hobby
Hearing health is just as important. Addressing hearing loss with proper care or hearing aids can help reduce the cognitive load placed on your brain during communication.
Finally, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet, supports both heart and brain health by reducing inflammation and improving vascular health.
These lifestyle habits don’t need to be extreme. Consistent, small changes over time can significantly benefit your cognitive function and quality of life in the years ahead.
FAQ
A cognitive test evaluates how well your brain functions across various cognitive areas, such as memory, attention, language, visual-spatial skills, and problem-solving. These tests are often used in clinical settings to detect signs of mild cognitive impairment, early dementia, or changes in mental status. Although some may be brief, they provide valuable insight into whether a more detailed evaluation is needed.
If your test results show signs of possible cognitive impairment, the next step typically involves a referral to your primary care provider or to a specialist (such as a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist). From there, further evaluation may include a physical examination, more in-depth cognitive tests, blood work, or brain imaging like a CT scan. These follow-up tests help determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or whether they stem from other factors such as medication, sleep issues, or mood disorders.
Cognitive screening is a non-invasive and helpful tool for early detection, but is not without it's limitations. These tests are not intended to give a final diagnosis. False positives may occur, leading to unnecessary worry, while early mild symptoms could be missed entirely. Some individuals may feel stressed or self-conscious about their performance; however, the benefit of detecting cognitive decline or diagnosing dementia early, when treatment and lifestyle interventions are effective, often outweighs these concerns.
No, cognitive screening is not designed to be definitive. While it can help with detection of cognitive impairment or early signs of dementia, it cannot confirm an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis on its own. A full diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive decline involves multiple steps: a thorough clinical assessment, a physical examination, lab tests, review of other symptoms, and sometimes neuroimaging. It’s also important to evaluate mood disorders and rule out underlying health conditions that may affect cognition.
Yes, there are many preventive steps you can take to support your cognitive function. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, staying socially active, and challenging your brain with complex tasks are all beneficial. Additionally, managing chronic conditions and treating hearing impairment are equally as important. Early action and proactiveness, especially when cognitive complaints arise, can help preserve brain health and delay more serious decline.
Book a Cognitive Screening Today at Bloor Hearing Clinic
Concerned about memory lapses or changes in hearing? Take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind! Our cognitive assessments can help in possibly detecting early signs of impairment when intervention is deemed effective. Don’t wait for symptoms to progress. Book your screening today and take control of your brain health!