Eyesight diseases and dementia are interconnected conditions that can affect the brain and visual systems. Both eye disease and dementia can become more common with age, and both conditions can have genetic components.
Eyesight diseases and visual impairment can increase the risk of dementia, while dementia can lead to changes in eyesight. It is important to be aware of the potential connection between these conditions and to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any changes in vision or cognitive function. Early detection and intervention could help improve outcomes for both eyesight and dementia.
Investigating the link between eyesight health and dementia
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease from the University of Otago — Ōtākou Whakaihu Wakahas has found a link between eye health and dementia, suggesting that blood vessels at the back of our eyes, called retinal microvasculature, can preventatively, show early signs that someone is at risk for developing dementia.
While the findings are still too premature to be applied in real-world settings, research such as this is ongoing around the World. The co-lead author, Dr. Ashleigh Barrett-Young, of the Department of Psychology, says the findings link to previous work by members of the research team, “putting together pieces of a puzzle” when it comes to recognising early signs of dementia. Treatments for Alzheimer’s and some other forms of dementia may be most effective if they’re started early in the disease course.”
Early detection
Early detection is critical, and knowing who would benefit from early treatment is crucial, but is very difficult to do with current testing. Currently, cognitive testing isn’t sensitive enough to catch dementia in the early stages, and the level of decline may not be enough to detect it either. Additionally, other testing such as PET and MRI scanning are costly and not widely available.
“In our study, we looked at the retina, which is directly connected to the brain,” says Dr. Barrett-Young. “It’s thought that many of the disease processes in Alzheimer’s are reflected in the retina, making it a good target as a biomarker to identify people at risk of developing dementia.”
Surprising findings
This study, co-led by Dr. Aaron Reuben of the University of Virginia, utilized data from eyesight evaluation and scans from the Dunedin Study’s age 45 assessment, which is New Zealand’s longest-running longitudinal study which is considered to be one of the World’s most detailed datasets of human health and development.
A detailed analysis of the scans unexpectedly revealed that narrower arteriole blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart and wider venule veins receiving blood from capillaries, and thinner retinal nerve fibers that carry signals to the brain are associated with a greater risk of dementia.
“I was surprised that venules were associated with so many different domains of Alzheimer’s disease — that suggests that it might be a particularly useful target for assessing dementia risk,” said Dr. Barrett-Young.
More research required
“This research is still in an early stage, and we can’t predict your future looking at an eye scan,” cautioned Dr. Barrett-Young, adding that “Hopefully, one day we’ll be able to use AI methods on eye scans to give you an indication of your brain health, but we’re not there yet.”
As with anything you read on the internet, this article on eyesight and dementia should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article on eyesight and dementia is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/eye-health-linked-to-dementia-risk
