Common eye problem could increase dementia risk by 50%

More than 2 million people living with vision loss in the UK are potentially at a higher risk of dementia. The Alzheimer's Societypointed out: "Research shows that people with vision loss are about 50% more likely to develop dementia than people without vision loss."

A study conducted in 2021 showed that vision loss may increase dementia risk, potentially because those affected might experience greater social isolation over time. Staying socially active can help stave off dementia.

The study, which appeared in theBritish Journal of Ophthalmology, observed that poor vision also coincides with lower quality of life, reduced physical activity and heightened depression risk. All contributing factors to dementia.

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Researchers looked into the health history of over 12,000 UK adults aged between 55 and 73, tracking their medical conditions over a decade. Commenting on the significance of these findings, Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "This study suggests that the association between eye conditions and dementia is not entirely explained by shared underlying risk factors, and that there could be a more direct relationship.

"Although some researchers have suggested that a lack of sensory stimulation could accelerate the progression of dementia and that this could be the case for visual impairment, we don't currently have good evidence to support this.

"Current evidence suggests that the best way to support brain health is by staying physically and mentally active, eating a healthy balanced diet, not smoking, drinking only within the recommended limits and keeping weight, cholesterol and blood pressure in check."

Interestingly,another study discovered an increased risk of dementia in people with cataracts and diabetes-related eye diseases. However, no such link was found with glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

The research indicated that those with cataracts and systemic conditions were up to 2.29 times more likely to develop dementia, while patients with diabetes-related eye diseases had up to a 3.24 times higher likelihood of contracting the neurodegenerative condition.

While diabetes itself is a known risk factor for dementia, there may be a silver lining in these findings. A separate 2021 study revealed that treating the eye conditions associated with an increased risk of dementia could potentially reverse the effect.

Remarkably, people who underwent cataract surgery had nearly a 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not receive the treatment.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, an estimated 2 million people in the UK are living with vision loss, with nearly 80% of these being over the age of 65. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including eye conditions and diseases, as well as neurological issues.