VISION TEST MAY BE ABLE TO REVEAL DEMENTIA RISK 12 YEARS IN ADVANCE: STUDY

A recent study has revealed that the condition of our eyes can provide significant insights into brain health. Published in the US National Library of Medicine, the study indicates that eye health may serve as an early indicator of dementia, with predictive potential up to 12 years before diagnosis.

Currently, dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death and stands as a significant contributor to disability and dependence among the elderly population globally. Presently, more than 55 million individuals worldwide are affected by dementia. This condition hampers a person's capacity to recollect, reason, and make decisions, thereby disrupting their daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease represents the most prevalent form of dementia.

The researchers undertook a study involving 8,623 initially healthy individuals from Norfolk, England, who were monitored over numerous years.

After the study, 537 participants had developed dementia, enabling an examination of preceding factors that might have led to this diagnosis.

Before the onset of the study, participants underwent a visual sensitivity examination. As per the authors, "During the assessment, participants were required to press a button promptly upon recognizing a triangle emerging amidst a field of moving dots.

Individuals who later developed dementia exhibited notably delayed responses in identifying this triangle compared to those who remained dementia-free."

Early signs of memory problems may not always involve forgetfulness but could include vision changes.

In Alzheimer's disease, harmful amyloid plaques might affect parts of the brain linked to eyesight first. As the disease advances, memory-related areas suffer damage, leading to more obvious cognitive decline.

So vision tests may find deficits before memory tests do, according to the researchers.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Dementia

Reducing the risk of dementia involves adopting a combination of lifestyle changes and maintaining overall health. Here are some strategies:

Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, which can include activities like walking, swimming, or aerobics. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.

Manage Cardiovascular Health: Keep conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes under control through medication, diet, and exercise. These conditions can increase the risk of vascular dementia.

Stay Mentally Active: Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments. Socializing and staying connected with others can also help keep the brain sharp.

Quality Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep each night. Poor sleep patterns can contribute to cognitive decline.

Limit Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption is recommended, as excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of dementia.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of dementia, so quitting smoking can be beneficial.

Protect the Head: Minimize the risk of head injuries by wearing seat belts, and helmets, and taking precautions to prevent falls, as head trauma can increase the risk of dementia.

2024-04-18T08:28:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd