Dementia makes people more sensitive to everyday noise because the brain areas responsible for processing sounds and filtering out background noise become damaged or less effective. This damage causes sounds that most people would ignore or barely notice to feel overwhelming, confusing, or even painful for someone with dementia.
Normally, the brain filters and interprets sounds so that we can focus on what’s important and ignore irrelevant noise. But in dementia, especially when parts of the brain like the temporal lobes and frontal cortex are affected, this filtering system breaks down. As a result, everyday noises—like ticking clocks, phones ringing, or background hums—can seem much louder and more intrusive. This heightened sensitivity is called hyperacusis.
Additionally, changes in brain chemistry, such as altered noradrenaline signaling due to neuron loss in areas like the locus coeruleus, make people with dementia more reactive to sensory input. This means their brains respond more strongly to sounds, increasing feelings of anxiety or agitation. The difficulty in filtering stimuli combined with increased emotional reactivity can make ordinary environments feel chaotic or threatening.
Sometimes, this sensitivity is worsened by auditory hallucinations, where the person hears sounds that aren’t actually there, adding to confusion and distress. Noise can also trigger negative memories or emotions, further increasing behavioral symptoms like agitation.
In summary, dementia disrupts how the brain processes and regulates sound, making everyday noises feel overwhelming and emotionally challenging for those affected. This explains why quiet, calm environments are often more comfortable and beneficial for people living with dementia.
