Elevated dementia risk found in those with cataracts

There is a significant association between cataracts and an increased risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia, according to a study that underscores the potential of cataract extraction as an intervention to reduce dementia risk.

Researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank and previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the link between cataracts, myopia, and dementia. The study included participants aged 55 to 70 years without dementia at baseline (2006-2010), with some undergoing visual acuity tests or brain imaging. It focused on self-reported cataracts, visual acuity, and myopia, measuring their association with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) using electronic medical records and MRI for brain volumes.

Among 304,953 participants (mean age 62.1 years), 4.69% had cataracts and 3.86% had poor vision. Results indicated that cataracts were linked to an 18% higher risk of ADRDs and a notably increased risk of vascular dementia, with genetic analyses showing cataracts might contribute to smaller brain and gray matter volumes.

The researchers concluded that the findings support the hypothesis that cataract extraction may reduce dementia risk, highlighting vision as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Further research and population-level interventions targeting vision health could play a crucial role in dementia prevention.

Reference
Ferguson EL, Thoma M, Buto PT, et al. Visual Impairment, Eye Conditions, and Diagnoses of Neurodegeneration and Dementia. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2424539. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24539. PMID: 39078629; PMCID: PMC11289698.