With more than 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, you’d think we would know that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia lead to far more than just memory loss.

The typical picture of an Alzheimer’s patient, or someone suffering from any form of dementia, is of an older, fragile person who doesn’t seem to understand who they are or where they are. Recent research has uncovered several different health issues that are now known to be linked to dementia, some of which are surprising.

Bustle’s recent article, “7 Weird And Surprising Things Linked To Dementia” reports that Dr. Luqman Lawal, MD remarked, “Dementia occurs when once-healthy neurons in the brain stop working, which results in a loss of cognitive functioning. This lack of ability to problem solve and remember things that have happened to them, affects their everyday routine.”

In addition to memory loss, those with some form of dementia may experience other symptoms like an inability to focus, an impaired sense of judgment, and an inability to problem-solve. Others may have issues with communication. There are several different studies that have examined possible causes.

Here are some of the most surprising things that have been linked to dementia, according to recent research:

Hearing Loss. A long-term study released in early 2018 found a “strong link” between hearing loss and dementia in seniors. About 33% of participants who experienced hearing loss were found to be more likely to have other major health issues like depression, disability, and dementia.

Herpes. A study from Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found connections between herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which often causes mouth sores, and Alzheimer’s disease. Those with the herpes virus were 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia, than those who didn’t. Researchers also discovered that people infected with HSV-1 carry a specific gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease, ApoE4- known to increase the risk of getting the disease.

Constantly Feeling Sleepy During The Day. A 2018 study found links between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer’s disease. Feeling excessively sleepy during the day is a common symptom of several sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. The study said that those who often felt sleepy during the day were three times more likely to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.

Taking in Too Much Sugar. A 2018 study published in the journal Diabetologia looked at more than 5,100 adults over 10 years and found that those who had higher blood sugar levels had faster rates of cognitive decline than those with more normal levels.

Air Pollution.  A 2017 study from the University of Southern California found connections between air pollution and dementia in older women. Tiny air pollution particles, which mostly come from power plants and cars, can get inside the body via the nose and then travel into the brain. Breathing in toxins can increase inflammation in the body. Research said that if a person had the Alzheimer’s gene, excessive exposure over time to those toxic particles can “exacerbate and promote” the disease. The adverse effects were found to be much stronger in older women who had the gene. More research still needs to be performed. However, if it’s confirmed that air pollution causes dementia, it may be the cause of over 20% of dementia cases.

Sense of Smell. A 2016 study found a connection between a person’s sense of smell and Alzheimer’s disease. Participants who were unable to correctly identify certain odors like menthol, strawberry, and lemon, were the people who were at risk for having the disease. Researchers believe that a person’s poor sense of smell can possibly be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

Loneliness. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences looked at data from over 12,000 people over 10 years. The researchers found that those who reported having greater feelings of loneliness were 40% more likely to get dementia. While there’s no one clear explanation as to why, researchers believe some people may cope with feelings of loneliness by behaving in ways that can damage the brain, like binge drinking or being sedentary.

Again, these studies show possible links to dementia-it doesn’t mean these things can cause it.

There simply are no guarantees about what you can do to prevent developing dementia of any kind, but a healthy lifestyle, lowering your risk of concussions by wearing proper headgear, and staying active are good prescriptions for giving your body the tools it needs to combat illness in general.

Our attorneys are ready to help you work through these issues and conversations.  Contact us to get started on your estate plan today.