(CNN) - People with untreated vision loss are more likely to develop dementia, according to new research.
Previous research has shown a link between cognition and visual health. The lead author of the report published Thursday in JAMA Ophthalmology, Dr. Joshua Ehrlich said this latest study is unique in terms of visual assessment and sample representativeness.
Ehrlich and his coauthors analyzed data from the 2021 US National Survey of Health and Aging Trends, which included nearly 3,000 people.
NHATS interviewers provided 2,021 educational tablet devices to people He said, testing near and far vision and contrast sensitivity.
"We've actually done all the research to confirm that the iPad test is the gold standard in the doctor's office and we've given it to thousands of seniors at home," Ehrlich said. Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
During the study, participants over the age of 71 were tested for dementia using the Dementia Screening Interview.
12.3% of all people in the study had signs of dementia. In people with distant vision impairment, this indicator increased to 19.5%; 21.5% in case of near vision impairment; and 32.9 percent for people with moderate or severe vision impairment or who are blind, according to the study.
Dr. Ariel Silverman, director of research at the American Foundation for the Blind, says studies have shown that even minor vision impairment can increase your risk. Silverman was not involved in the investigation.
And the increase in moderate and severe disabilities has been significant.
Dr. is a physician scientist at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging and a professor of internal medicine at Rush Medical College of Chicago. "A two and a half times increase in visual impairment is astonishing," says Thomas Holland. . Holland was not involved in the investigation.
What was first?
It is important to note that due to the design of this study, the research team could not be sure that visual impairment caused the dementia, only that it was associated.
Dementia can lead to vision loss or it can happen at the same time, Ehrlich said.
He added that there is a similar link between hearing loss and dementia. The disturbances can reduce the availability of our senses, which can lead to confusion, which can accelerate cognitive decline, Holland said.
“If you can't feel something and you know you're hurting yourself, you're going to get hurt. That's the name of the game. And then when it comes to hearing and seeing, it's the same thing." He added.
Another factor that may explain the correlation is the reduced opportunity and community participation that vision loss can cause, Silverman said.
The next step
What should you do about it? Concentrate on the vision, Ehrlich said.
Along with a healthy lifestyle, annual eye exams and tests are important, Holland added.
If a problem is found, fix it, Ehrlich said.
"In terms of visual impairment and blindness, over 80% are estimated to be preventable or reversible," he said.
After an exam, your eye doctor may recommend a corrective procedure like LASIK or cataract surgery, or it could be as simple as wearing eyeglasses, says Holland.
When it comes to dementia, preventative measures are important, and paying attention to your senses is an easy way to pay attention to your cognition, Ehrlich said.
"The sooner the better," Holland said. "If you notice your vision starting to deteriorate, get it checked."
However, not all cases of vision loss can be treated. That's why it's important to combine vision health with rehabilitation services so "people who are blind or have low vision can continue to live actively with opportunity, independence and confidence," said Silverman.
This means developing skills so that blind people can move freely and safely around the world, pursue hobbies and do other things important to cognitive health.
"Aging is difficult, but we have a lot of support for perspective," Silverman said. "If your vision can't be corrected, see a vision rehabilitation therapist to learn about strategies for working with your vision and non-visual strategies for all aspects of your life."