It may be a good idea for the elderly to take like vitamin E and lutein to keep their eye health in check, as a new study is suggesting that untreated vision problems could potentially lead to dementia.
Research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that treating poor vision may be a greater prediction of dementia development as opposed to symptoms.
The study found that elderly individuals who visited an ophthalmologist at least once for their poor vision were 64 percent less likely to develop the brain disease. Vision procedures that were noted to lower the risk of dementia included surgery for cataracts and treatment for glaucoma.
Researchers noted that one of the reasons many elderly individuals may not seek medical treatment for their vision is because their health insurance plan may not cover it. However, the scientists are quick to point out that treating an eye problem may keep other diseases at bay.
“While heart disease and cancer death rates are continuing to decline, mortality rates for Alzheimers disease are on the rise,” said lead researcher Mary Rogers, Ph.D. “So if we can delay the onset of dementia, we can save individuals and their families from the stress, cost and burden that are associated with Alzheimers disease.”