Eye and brain health are closely linked
As you age, your risk for dementia increases. However, there are many factors tied to aging that can increase your risk of developing this troubling condition that interferes with your day to day activities. One such factor is vision loss.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found that older adults with vision problems may be more likely to develop dementia. In fact, the research added that the more types of vision problems a person has, the higher the chances of dementia.
What are the different types of vision problems?
There are three main types of vision problems – distance acuity, near acuity and contrast sensitivity. According to the American Optometric Association, distance acuity (visual acuity) is a measure of the clarity or sharpness of vision from 20 feet away. This is usually tested by having the person read letters on a Snellen chart.
Near acuity measures how well someone can see something up close. Contrast sensitivity measures one’s ability to distinguish between an object and the background it is set against, or between two similar colors.
About the study
Researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, analyzed data from the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study, which showed a link between all types of vision problems and a higher prevalence of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The research included national data from 2,967 participants aged 71 and older.
How is brain and eye function linked?
"Mental stimulation keeps neural circuits active and strong, which protects the brain from age-related declines," Dr. Gary Small, chair of psychiatry and behavioral health physician-in-chief at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
"Loss of visual stimulation will lead to withdrawal and less mental engagement," Dr. Small, who was not involved in the study, added.
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Vision problems are largely preventable
On the bright side, most vision problems are treatable. "For example, cataracts are one of the main causes of visual impairment in older people, and vision loss from cataracts can be reversed with cataract surgery," said lead study author Olivia Killeen, M.D., clinical lecturer for ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan, in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Because visual impairment is associated with dementia, treating vision problems may be one key to reducing the risk of dementia."
"It's important for anyone, especially older adults, to regularly check their visual acuity and correct deficits to optimize quality of life and protect against dementia," Dr. Small added.
Eye care tips
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables and fatty fish.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
- Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol – diseases which can lead to some eye or vision problems.
- Wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Sun exposure can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases. - If you wear contacts, make sure you prevent infections by washing your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses. Follow the instructions on how to properly clean them, and replace them when needed.
- If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.