Vision Loss and Cognitive Impairment Linked

[Angel]

We tend to lose vision and memory with age. Now, researchers say there may be a connection between the two.

Limited data shows a potential link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cognitive impairment. While studies have been done, they have not been conducted using a wide sample including patients with advanced vision loss from macular degeneration. Researchers from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) set out to find whether there is a connection between the two.

The 11-center study involved close to 3,000 people taking six neuropsychological tests that looked at several areas of cognitive function. The study participants also had their visual acuity tested annually.

At the start of the study 23 percent of participants showed no sign of macular degeneration and 22 percent had the most advanced stage. The rest were categorized into two middle groups.

Researchers found those with more severe AMD and vision loss had poorer cognitive test scores. Those individuals with vision worse than 20/40 were also likely to show signs of cognitive impairment.

Study authors believe the connection is because both conditions are neurodegenerative disorders that affect people as they age. It's also possible the two develop along similar pathways. Finally, they suggest the loss of vision impacts a person's ability to participate in activities that improve their physical, mental and psychosocial well-being, which leads to a decrease in brain reserve.