Save your BRAIN… at the eye doctor?

Make no mistake…

Getting your eyes and your vision checked annually helps you see better and reduces the risk of age-related eye diseases like, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

But today, there’s new information on how maintaining proper eye health can keep serious brain disease at bay!

It’s normal to lose some vision as you age…

But a new study from University of Michigan found that waning vision in older age can greatly increase your risk of DEMENTIA.

Vision (and eye health) have long been connected to cognitive decline. However, this study highlighted poor vision as a significant risk factor for developing the life-changing brain disease.

After examining nearly 3,000 older adults over the age of 70 through a series of vision and cognitive tests, researchers discovered that:

• 22% who had trouble seeing up close and 33% with moderate or severe distance vision impairment—including those who were blind—showed signs of dementia.
• 26% participants who had difficulty discerning letters with low contrast backgrounds also showed dementia signs.

But here’s the real kicker…

The study concluded that individuals with moderate to severe distance vision problems were 72% MORE LIKELY to have dementia compared to those without such problems!

Let me be clear…

If you don’t have crystal clear vision, it doesn’t mean dementia IS, without a doubt, in your future.

However, it sheds light on the importance of routine eye exams—and to prioritize eye health as a way of benefitting your long-term health.

Remember, regular eye exams aren’t just about making sure your glasses and/or contact lenses prescription is up-to-date. Exams can also identify inflammation associated with eye diseases—inflammation that can also be a risk factor for dementia.

You can also support eye health be taking a quality lutein and zeaxanthin supplement – which has been found to help alleviate inflammation.

To saving your brain,

Rachel Mace
Editor, eAlert with contributions from the research team

Sources:

StudyFinds. “Old age and bad eyesight create concerning recipe for dementia.” https://studyfinds.org/eyesight-issues-dementia/