Visual impairment associated with a decline in cognitive function

  • A large study indicates that visual impairment can play a role in age-related cognitive decline.

A study involving more than 2,500 older adults (65+) found that the rate of worsening vision was associated with the rate of cognitive decline. More importantly, vision has a stronger influence on cognition than the reverse.

The study finding suggests maintaining good vision through the prevention and treatment of vision disorders in old persons may be a strategy to lessen age-related cognitive changes.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-06/jn-via062718.php

Reference: 

[4481] D. Zheng, D., Swenor B. K., Christ S. L., West S. K., Lam B. L., & Lee D. J.
(2018).  Longitudinal Associations Between Visual Impairment and Cognitive Functioning: The Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study.
JAMA Ophthalmology. 136(9), 989 - 995.

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