- checking login information
Loading...Alzheimer’s and Eyesight: An Important Connection
- Terri Hall
- August 5, 2010
- 5:07 pm
- 160 comments
A University of Michigan study finds a link between vision and Alzheimer’s. The study was based on medical information and surveys from 625 people compiled from 1992-2005. None of these individuals had dementia at the beginning of the study. Using a scale ranking vision from excellent (one) to totally blind (six), researchers found that the risk for dementia increased by an average of 52 percent with each step up the scale. The study’s lead author, Mary A.M. Rogers, PhD, said the study’s results suggest that problems with declining vision precedes dementia and that treatment of vision problems, including proper prescription eyeglasses, cataract removal and lens insertion, corneal transplant and treatment for retinal detachment, lesions and other eye disorders, decreases the probability of developing dementia.
Why this link between vision and dementia? Dr. Rogers suggests that people with poor vision may be less likely to participate in the kinds of activities that protect cognitive function, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games and engaging in physical activities. She also said that other research indicates that vision loss can lead to structural changes in the brain, but notes that more studies are needed to understand why.
Read more: Alzheimer's, Caregiving, Conditions, Family, General Health, Health, Mental Wellness, aging, alzheimer's, brain, cataracts, dementia, elderly, eye care, eyes, growing older, medical research, vision
Terri Hall
Terri Hall lives in the Hudson Valley with her family. In addition to writing, Terri works with public television and radio stations/networks in the area of new media, and leads workshops on authentic and empowered living.
-
When Alzheimer’s Steals Their Personality
54 comments -
Alzheimer’s Reversed in Mice
60 comments -
Quick Trick for Sparkling Eyes
58 comments
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
people are talking
I'm not sure what it is about chicken but I always get sick if I eat any, and my cats don't like it …
Hi Juliet D, I'm Suzanne author of this article. It was never meant to be offensive, but rather hope…
wow
We had a brown tiger – named Tiger, we were sort of running out of names by the time he came al…
I put cumin in just about everything, great with tomatoes, too.
160 comments
+ add your ownvery interesting, thanks for sharing
Always good to learn something new, thanks :)
Interesting information.
great articles, thanks for sharing
Good information - I had heard this before and it makes sense.
I didn't know there was a link between eye problems and dementia. Thanks for the information.
Thank you
It is a bit alarming!
thanks for info
Thanks for the information. This is very helpful. My dearest friend has early onset Alzheimers. I will pass this on to her.
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment
20