Dementia and Money Obsession: Causes and Potential Cures

Dementia is a widely observed condition among older adults. The biggest misconception about dementia is that it’s a disease - however, it’s a general term for loss of cognitive functions, such as remembering, thinking, and reasoning.

The most common dementia symptoms are loss of memory, disorientation about time and place, and misplacing things.

As people with dementia face declining cognitive function, they lose a sense of control over their own lives. As a result, additional symptoms like paranoia, delusion, and confusion are often observed. 

Although money obsession in dementia patients is often seen, the exact cause is not well understood.

It’s speculated that the obsession stems from subconscious memories of long-term financial insecurity. Elders with dementia may have gone through some traumatic global financial crises, like the Great Depression, Dot-Com Bubble Burst, The Great Recession, etc. during their lifetimes.

Although dementia patients mostly have trouble with short-term memories, financial problems are rooted in their long-term memory. The memories of the hardship and paranoia experienced at previous points in life can worsen their financial obsession.

Another possible reason for a money obsession is linked to a loss of control.

Dementia makes the patients gradually lose control over most of their memories and life aspects. Our brain is wired to subconsciously think that money will help solve our problems and gain control over our lives.

In the case of the dementia patient, paranoia and delusion add to these subconscious fears and make them overly obsessed with money.

First, understand that the person is dealing with memory loss and declining mental stability.

In a situation where they may become distressed, talk to them gently and softly - and let them know you hear their concerns. Statements like “I’m sorry that you can’t find the (checkbook/money)” or “it must be upsetting that you can’t find your checkbook/money” may help them calm down.

Offer them assistance, so they feel secure and don’t feel lonely or lost. 

The Kirkland hearing aid has managed to satisfy the Costco market, as customers can now have more flexibility with their hearing aids at a lower price. Although still pricey, the Kirkland is still almost $4600.00 less than the national average. But it does manage to satisfy the needs of those who still can afford it.

Great, so now you know a lot more about Costco hearing aids from this Costco hearing aids review article, what the public buy from Amazon and eBay in related categories, and reviews on those two giant retailers. For further reading on the Costco hearing aids, you can review the Nano Hearing Aids blog.

Local Costco hearing centers suggest that those wanting to buy devices should have a hearing test first. The screening is for free and is performed by an audiologist, or hearing aids specialist. This usually takes about an hour to complete and is carried out in a private area. These tests are unobtrusive and can be compared to having an eye test.

The results of the "Costco hearing tests" are discussed and then several suggestions are made about which type of hearing device suits the hearing loss of the individual best. There are several options in-store and people can wear them to see if the fit and amplified sound is satisfactory.

Besides hearing tests and screening, Costco has a free cleaning service and people also attend follow-up appointments and check-ups to ensure that their hearing aid still covers their needs. Damage and loss coverage is important for hearing aid owners because the devices are small and easy to misplace or drop. Costco also offers free warranty periods.

Costco is not the only company offering quality hearing aids at a fraction of the cost of those prescribed by specialists.

Nano hearing aids are top-rated and remain a popular choice with consumers. People with hearing loss can choose from a variety of hearing aid types and models. Nano hearing aids are cost effective since they are sold directly from the manufacturer to consumers, cutting out the middleman completely. People with various levels of hearing loss are catered for with a range of BTE and ITE models, and there are also rechargeable options for both types. Depending on the model, Nano hearing aids offer all the latest features and the Nano Sigma is the most advanced model, developed for those who demand a hearing aid that has all the modern features, including Bluetooth. Nano hearing aids are all dispatched with a set of different earbuds to ensure that every user can adjust the fit. Read Nano hearing aids reviews.

Hearing Assist has one ITE model and two BTE models, of which one supports Bluetooth and can also run a hearing check for adjustments. They are all rechargeable.

Signia hearing aids has numerous models of which it most popular is the Pure 312. This is a small BTE device that can either be controlled with a discreet remote-controlled device or by a smartphone.

Widex hearing aids have adjustable settings for environmental control. Their hearing aid with smart technology is the Evoke but they have a range of models. Rechargeable models can also be used with zinc-air batteries.

Eargo hearing aids are more suited to people with mild-to-moderate hearing problems. They offer BTE models and their most advanced is the NEO.

Nano hearing aids was founded to help people with hearing loss. Many customers have previously had a bad experience with very expensive hearing aids. Nano hearing aid wearers are looking for high-quality sound from an affordable hearing aid. Even older people with hearing loss are now more tech-savvy and look for special features that allow them to adjust sounds according to their environment with a Bluetooth device.

Nano hearing aids start from $579 for a pair of Nano RX2000 rechargeable hearing aids that are powerful and easy to use.

Nano CIC comes in two models that cost $347 and $497 a pair. They are both discreet and the pricier version is rechargeable and has Advanced DSP noise canceling.

Nano X2 sells for $797 and is discreet, easy to use, and powerful with a full set of features. The rechargeable model sells for $997.

Nano Sigma is a smart hearing aid that can be controlled by Bluetooth or mobile app. The Nano Sigma also has noise reduction technology.

Hearing aid styles vary and depending on the lifestyle of their wearers. It is important that hearing aids cover the specific type of hearing loss for everyone. Some people prefer hearing aids that are easy to handle and adjust, especially changing the batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids are very practical as are those with additional features like noise reduction, directional microphones, wireless connectivity, environmental noise control, and direct audio input.

CIC (completely in canal) hearing aids are the smallest and fit completely inside the canal, making them discreet. However, even though they are the least visible and pick up the less wind noise, they use very small batteries giving them shorter life; they have fewer features, and may earwax clog up their speakers. These are best suited for those who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

ITC (in-the-canal) fits partly in the ear because it has been custom molded. They are less visible than behind the ear styles and may have more features than CIC aids, but can be difficult to adjust because of their tiny size. Their speakers are susceptible to clogging, but these hearing aids are suitable for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

ITE (In-the-ear) hearing aids have an outer shell that fits the outside of the ear. Some models cover the whole bowl-shaped area of the outer ear and the other only half. They may include features like volume controls and appear to be easier to handle. These models have bigger batteries, ensuring longer life, but may pick up wind noises. The speakers sometimes clog up with earwax. These are effective for mild to severe hearing loss.

BTE (behind the ear) the body of the hearing aid rests behind the ear, but it hooks over the top of the ear. The hearing aid has a tube that connects it to an earpiece that fits in the ear canal. These types of hearing aids have evolved and newer models are discreet and offer various amplification settings. They may be more susceptible to wind noise than most styles. BTE hearing aids are suited to all age groups with hearing problems and are effective for most types of hearing loss.

RIC (receiver in canal) hearing aids are almost like behind-the-ear models, but instead of tubing, they have a tiny wire that connecting the pieces. These have a more discreet portion that fits behind the ear but are susceptible to wax clogging of their speakers.

Open fit hearing aids are BTE hearing aids, but a very thin tube ensures that the ear canal remains open. This allows low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and the hearing aid only amplifies high-frequency sounds. Less visible, these hearing aids also allow you to hear your own voice more naturally. They may be more difficult to adjust and handle and are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Customized hearing aid options are very expensive and many people cannot afford them. Alternative options are far more affordable and may offer just as high a quality of hearing assistance.

Consumers need to research their choices carefully before deciding on which hearing aids to buy and should be aware of the following:

Wearing one hearing device is not really an option if someone with hearing loss wants to hear sounds clearly. Localization is the process by which the brain determines where the sound has come from. The signal is missed if one ear is not picking up certain sounds and this can only be avoided by wearing two hearing aids.

Hearing loss affects how people react to social situations. It affects their social life which improves when they start to wear hearing aids. Hearing aids contribute to their well-being where other conditions of aging are concerned because hearing protects older people from degenerative brain diseases.

If hearing loss is left untreated, then it just deteriorates because the ear needs auditory stimulation. Once hearing is lost it cannot be reinstated. That’s why specialists insist that people wear two hearing aids, otherwise, the one ear will lose its ability to hear sounds.

People who wear two hearing aids can hear easier than those with one because sounds are increased by 6 decibels.

People with hearing loss all have the same need, to hear well. Choosing the correct hearing aids often has more than one deciding factor. For most people it is budget measured against quality.

Costco carries an assortment of hearing aids with high-quality sound, but these are priced above the average most people can afford. Consumers need an in-house consultation before they purchase and any adjustments to the devices can only be made in-store.

Nano hearing aids are sold exclusively at NanoHearingAids.com at affordable prices. Each set includes earbuds in various sizes to ensure a snug fit.