New Delhi: Some people wear glasses to correct vision, while others do it for the sake of fashion. Then there are working professionals who rely on anti-glare glasses to save vision from excess screen exposure. However, according to a study, this could work wonders to ward off dementia risk. Experts at Johns Hopkins University, US, found that vision and chronic memory-related disorders are associated. And while dementia has no cure, doctors say it can be managed and can also be prevented if one follows the right lifestyle.
Doctors say that half of dementia cases are preventable by wearing glasses and hearing aids as failing senses cause the brain to receive less information. As a result, symptoms are diverted from memory problems to thinking inabilities. The study, published in the journal JAMA Opthalmology, anaylsed health records from 2,767 over-70s in the USA and discovered more cases of dementia in people dealing with sight problems.
Researchers also noted that vision impairment is common in older adults and it is known that most dementia cases are detected after 65 years of age. And why this study is more relevant is because more than 90% of vision impairments are preventable or can be corrected. Experts say that most of these cases can be fixed with glasses or surgery or medication. Earlier, research found that eyesight problems only account for less than 5% of cases but the incidence has risen to 19%. Therefore, it is imperative to look after the modifiable risk factors for dementia prevention. Although experts are unsure of how uncorrected vision and dementia are associated, the study could pave the way for dementia prevention and treatment in the long run.
Ways to reduce dementia risk
The Lancet Commission 2024 has shared the following tips to prevent dementia:
Use hearing aids
Treat depression
Regular workouts
Quit smoking
Manage blood pressure
Head protection in sports
Maintaining healthy body weight
Reduce high cholesterol
Limit alcohol intake
Diabetes prevention
Reduce exposure to air pollution
Using glasses for vision
Manage social isoltation
Doctors say that half of dementia cases are preventable by wearing glasses and hearing aids as failing senses cause the brain to receive less information. As a result, symptoms are diverted from memory problems to thinking inabilities. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
