Address vision loss to reduce your risk of dementia

Vision loss is increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor for dementia.

woman and man with vision loss looking at a smart phone

World Sight Day, on the 10^th October 2024, provides an opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of eye health and vision care to reduce your risk of dementia.

Vision loss and dementia risk

Vision loss reduces cognitive stimulation and makes it harder for people to engage in cognitively challenging activities such as puzzles, which are important for maintaining or improving brain health.

As vision worsens, people may find it harder or be less likely to engage in social activity and may become more socially isolated or depressed. But keeping socially active and meaningfully engaging with a range of people can improve mental health as well as reduce the rate of cognitive decline.

Further, vision loss can contribute to a lack of confidence to engage in physical activity which can also play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of or slowing decline in dementia.

Types of visual impairment

Studies have identified several specific visual conditions and aspects of visual impairment that may contribute to cognitive decline, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and general low vision or uncorrected refractive errors.

Visual impairments like diabetic retinopathy and AMD share common risk factors with dementia, including vascular disease, diabetes, and systemic inflammation, all of which contribute to both eye and brain health.

Detection and treatment

Regular eye checks are essential for detecting these conditions in their early stages, especially in older adults or people at higher risk for visual impairment. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference, so having regular eye tests is important. People aged 65+ should have their eyes tested annually and can claim a rebate from Medicare.

Interventions such as prescription lenses and cataract surgery (if indicated) can help to mitigate dementia risk. Addressing auditory (hearing) loss as well as visual loss is essential for promoting brain health as you age, so as well as regular eye checks, have regular hearing checks and wear hearing aids if required.