Poor vision 'linked to dementia risk'

Older people who do not seek medical assistance over poor eyesight may be more likely to develop dementia, it is believed.

Seniors who keep up with treatment for poor vision were 64 per cent less likely to develop dementia, according to findings recent extracted from the Health and Retirement Study, as well as records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in North America.

Mary AM Rogers, a research assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, said that the risk was higher in the US as a lack of insurance could be interfering with older people getting regular eye exams.

She said: "Our results indicate that it is important for elderly individuals with visual problems to seek medical attention so that the causes of the problems can be identified and treated."

Dr Rogers added that many people around the world do not receive vision treatment until a problem is severe enough to warrant a visit to the optician, when the problem becomes much more advanced.

Barchester Healthcare was recently applauded by the Independent for its stance on dementia, with the company ensuring that residents with the disease do not confront the present but are instead allowed to celebrate their lives by being helped to enjoy their pasts.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.