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Recent research suggests that there may be a link between dementia and eye health. Could taking care of your eye health be the key to healthy aging?
Read on to learn more about dementia and its many symptoms. You’ll also learn why caring for your eye health matters more than ever as you age.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia isn’t a specific condition; it’s a term that refers to a group of symptoms that result from changes in the brain caused by different health conditions. For instance, Alzheimer’s is the most common of these conditions and is associated with 60 to 80% of dementia cases.
The symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulties focusing, mood changes, language problems, and more. These symptoms typically progress over time and can severely affect your quality of life.
The causes of dementia are complex and include a mix of health conditions, lifestyle, and genetic factors. While there’s no cure for dementia, catching symptoms early can help slow its progression and maintain quality of life.
A Link With Eye Health?
A recent study found that nearly 20% of dementia cases are linked to at least one vision impairment. The researchers explain their findings don’t indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between the two. However, the number is significant enough to warrant attention.
Vision impairments become more common with age. For instance, about 30% of Americans aged 80 or older suffer from age-related macular degeneration, while 50% of those above 75 have cataracts.
For many older Americans, poor eye health can lead to social isolation and low cognitive stimulation, two factors that researchers believe may directly affect dementia risk. It’s also possible that vision problems can accelerate the brain changes associated with dementia.
Untreated vision impairments also increase the risk of slip-and-fall injuries. Poor vision can also contribute to anxiety or depression.
The Importance of Eye Health as You Age
Healthy vision is crucial for healthy aging. It’s essential for driving, an activity that will help you stay active and prevent social isolation. Being able to read comfortably is just as important since written materials can provide a source of cognitive stimulation.
Moreover, on a more practical level, good vision will help you perform daily tasks more comfortably and help you keep your independence longer.
As you age, the best way to preserve your eye health is to be more proactive about care. For adults under 39, the American Optometric Association recommends a yearly eye exam. As you age, you’ll likely find that you need more frequent exams. Your optometrist can help assess your unique risks and determine how often you should schedule eye exams.
Preventive eye care doesn’t just catch vision problems early—it can also help detect health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Researchers have found a link between high blood pressure and dementia later in life, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to preventive health care to age well.
Given the complexity of the health risks that can affect vision as you age, it’s best to discuss a personalized preventive care plan with your optometrist.
Healthy Aging With Vision Care Direct
Keeping up with regular eye exams is crucial for healthy aging, as well as addressing any eye health concerns quickly.
Vision Care Direct makes preventive eye health more accessible. Thanks to our prepaid vision plans, you can save on a wide range of vision care services offered by local optometrists.
Take your first step toward healthy aging by learning more about our prepaid vision plans!
Summary: Is there a link between dementia and eye health? Our latest blog post discusses recent research on the topic and shares advice for healthy aging.
