New Study Reveals Strong Link Between Vision Problems and Dementia in Older Adults
A recent study conducted by the Kellogg Eye Center at Michigan Medicine has found a significant association between vision problems and dementia in older adults. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, revealed that individuals with moderate to severe vision impairment were 72% more likely to develop dementia. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good vision health in aging populations.
The research involved nearly 3,000 older adults who underwent both vision tests and cognitive tests during home visits. The risk of dementia was found to be considerably higher among those with eyesight problems, including individuals who struggled to see even when wearing their eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting a connection between vision and dementia. Data from a nationally representative study of older adults conducted in 2021 were used as the basis for the research. All participants were over the age of 71, with an average age of 77. Their up-close and distance vision, as well as their ability to see letters with low contrast, were evaluated using a digital tablet. The participants also underwent memory and thinking tests and provided information about their health and any existing diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
The results showed that over 12% of the entire group had dementia, with the percentage rising to nearly 22% among those with impaired vision for seeing up close. Additionally, one-third of those with moderate or severe distance vision impairment, and 26% of those with difficulty in seeing low-contrast letters, exhibited signs of dementia. Even individuals with mild distance vision issues had a 19% prevalence of dementia.
After adjusting for other health status and personal characteristics, researchers discovered that individuals with moderate to severe distance vision issues were 72% more likely to have dementia compared to those with no vision issues. The association was slightly lower but still significant for other forms of vision impairment, although mild distance vision problems did not show a statistically significant difference.
The study builds upon previous research that relied on self-reported vision abilities and non-representative study samples. It also complements existing work on cataract surgery, which revealed lower rates of dementia in adults who underwent the surgery and had their distance vision restored.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of prioritizing vision health in order to optimize overall well-being. They call for randomized trials to determine whether improving vision can effectively slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
In an accompanying editorial, Sheila West of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine writes that equitable access to vision care services is crucial for preventing or reversing sight loss and may be especially important for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
The study, based on data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, was funded by the National Institute on Aging and an unrestricted grant to the U-M Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences by Research to Prevent Blindness. It contributes to a broader understanding of the relationship between vision and cognitive issues and highlights the need for further research on this topic.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of maintaining good vision health for the elderly as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of dementia and preserving cognitive function.