Does dementia cause a big problem with vision?

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Dementia is a serious neurological disease that mainly affects cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and behavior. It is commonly associated with aging, and its prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years. Although the main symptom of dementia is related to cognitive decline, there is growing evidence that it can affect other parts of the body, including the eyes. So, does dementia cause eye problems?

Dementia and Eyesight: Overview.

Vision plays an important role in our daily lives, allowing us to explore and interact with the world around us. It allows us to recognize faces, read words, and enjoy the beauty around us. Unfortunately, dementia can interfere with these visual abilities, making daily tasks more difficult for people living with dementia.

Change in visual perception.

Changes in visual perception are one of the common problems related to dementia. It can appear to have difficulty determining distance, recognizing contrast, or recognizing objects. Therefore, people with dementia can have difficulty driving, crossing streets, or even walking around furniture. These changes in visual perception can have a significant impact on their independence and overall quality of life.

Visual hallucination.

In some cases, dementia can lead to visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can be related to seeing people, animals, or objects that do not exist. Why this happens is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the brain related to dementia. Visual hallucinations can be painful for both people with dementia and the people who care for them, adding to the characteristics of an already difficult disease.

A dementia-related eye condition.

In addition to changes in visual perception and hallucinations, the study has found certain eye conditions that may be more prevalent in people with dementia. These conditions include:

1. Cataract: Cataracts are common age-related eye conditions that are characterized by blurred vision in the eyes. Studies have shown that people with dementia are more likely to develop cataracts than those who do not. Cataracts can further damage vision and may require surgical intervention to restore it.

2. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and result in poor vision. While the link between dementia and glaucoma is not fully known, studies have shown an increased risk of glaucoma in dementia patients. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of glaucoma in this population.

3. Age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.