Neglecting your eyes can influence dementia
Posted by Jim Hanekamp | Posted in Aging, Alzheimer's, Brain games, Dementia, Memory, Nutrition, Physical exercise | Posted on 20-02-2010
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Elderly people with untreated poor vision are significantly more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than their clear-sighted counterparts, according to a study published online February 18 by the American Journal of Epidemiology. What’s more, the study suggests that vision problems may be a contributing factor in the development of dementia, rather than a symptom of it.
When elderly people with poor vision went to an ophthalmologist even once, their risk of dementia was reduced by 64 percent, the study found. People who had undergone eye procedures to treat glaucoma and correct cataracts were also less likely to develop dementia.
“Visual problems can have serious consequences and are very common among the elderly, but many of them are not seeking treatment,” said University of Michigan researcher Mary Rogers, the study’s lead author, in a prepared statement.
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