Researchers have recently discovered that uncorrected vision problems in later life seem to increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.
‘Uncorrected’ means that the person experiencing the problem hasn’t taken steps to address it – by wearing glasses, lenses or having treatment to correct it. So if you do wear glasses or you’ve had an operation such as removing cataracts, you’re reducing that additional risk.
There are three main ways in which scientists think our vision and dementia risk are linked, and these could all apply to different people.
- Vision problems make it harder to keep connected to other people and the world around us, meaning the brain is less stimulated. Less stimulation affects our ability to build cognitive reserve and means the brain is more vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Another illness which affects our vision such as diabetes, may be what increases dementia risk rather than the vision problem itself.
- Changes in the brain caused by the diseases that lead to dementia may also affect the eyes, leading to problems with our vision.
To help build understanding of this link we’re funding a project led by Prof Chris Owen at St George’s University of London. The team will explore what the marks on the back of the eye known as the retina, can tell us about a person’s brain health.
They will use artificial intelligence to study thousands of eye scans from older people who have been diagnosed with memory problems or dementia. The goal is to identify patterns and signs that could provide an early warning of dementia, meaning treatments can be given much earlier.
If you’re worried about your vision, or haven’t had your eyes tested for a while, you can find a local opticians and see if you are entitled to free eye tests on the NHS website.
Find out more about the link between vision problems and dementia risk.