Bottom Line: Worsening vision and declining cognitive function are common conditions among older people. Understanding the association between them could help reduce age-related cognitive changes. A study of more than 2,500 adults aged 65 and older found rate of worsening vision was associated with rate of declining cognitive function. 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.
Authors: D. Diane Zheng, M.S., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, and coauthors
Related material: The commentary, " Treating the Eyes to Help the Brain," by Paul J. Foster, Ph.D., F.R.C.S., (Ed)., of Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and coauthors is also available on the For The Media website .
To Learn More: The full study is available on the For The Media website .
(doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.2493)
Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
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JAMA Ophthalmology