Hearing and sense of smell loss-is it related to dementia??

Stacel67

Is hearing loss and a loss of sense of smell related to dementia??

My mother seems to have lost acuity in hearing and smell.

Iris L.

PWDs have visual agnosia, which is loss of ability to recognize items even though the eyes are not damaged.  So it probably may be true that PWDs will have olfactory or taste agnosia and cannot recognize smells or tastes. Of course, medical issues must be ruled out first.  

Addendum:  I see you asked about hearing.  Her hearing should be tested and her ears examined.  There might be a simple reason, such as ear wax buildup.  Again, medical causes must be ruled out first.

Iris L.

Lane Simonian

Hearing loss, the loss of smell, and memory loss can all be caused by the same compound--peroxynitrite.

King Boo

Peripheral hearing loss is not related to dementia.   Central processing/understanding can be affected by the brain changes of dementia.

WWID?   Have her doctor check her ears for ear wax.  Have it cleaned out if needed.  If your LO is prone to wax, an inexpensive otoscope is a great tool to have to use yourself.  

Do a diagnostic hearing test with an audiologist while Mom can still do the basics of one. The audiologist, if experienced with dementia, adapts the test accordingly.  Avoid busy ENT offices for a hearing test unless your LO is in the earlier stages - too rushed of a setting.  Try a hospital or private practice audiologist.