A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has found that people with vision loss are at a higher risk of developing dementia. The research, which observed over 12,000 UK adults aged between 55 and 73, revealed that those with visual impairment may experience greater social isolation, lower quality of life, reduced physical activity, and heightened depression risk.
The study’s findings suggest that people with certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and diabetes-related eye diseases, are up to 2.29 times more likely to develop dementia. However, researchers also discovered that treating these eye conditions could potentially reduce the risk of dementia. In fact, those who underwent cataract surgery had nearly a 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not receive treatment.
The Alzheimer’s Society notes that over 2 million people in the UK are living with vision loss, with nearly 80% being over the age of 65. This highlights the importance of addressing eye health and potentially reversing the effects of vision loss on dementia risk. By staying socially active, eating a healthy balanced diet, and maintaining good physical and mental health, individuals can help stave off dementia.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/common-eye-problem-could-increase-35470642