Expert reveals link between untreated vision loss and dementia risk
Simple preventative measures in vision care may help lower long-term dementia risks
The importance of getting eyesight checked can hardly be understated. Neurologists and content creators Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai took to Instagram on 26 March to explain how taking care of the eyes has been linked to taking care of the brain and lowering dementia risk. They cited a meta-analysis involving more than six million adults.
“People with untreated vision impairment had a 47 percent higher risk of developing dementia.” However, they noted the data were observational. “A vision problem is not a dementia diagnosis,” highlighted the neurologists.
“This finding is about untreated, uncorrected vision loss, the kind that slowly reduces your ability to read, drive, socialise, and move through the world.”
Connection between vision and cognition
The neurologists explained three ways damaged vision affects cognition:
- Sensory Deprivation: Less visual input means more cognitive load for everyday tasks. Over time, neural reserve erodes.
- Downstream isolation: Untreated vision loss reduces driving, socialising, reading and exercise - all independent dementia risk factors.
- Shared pathology: The retina is brain tissue. Amyloid and tau changes seen in Alzheimer's may appear in the retina first.
Does inherent low vision affect brain health?
The study does not link early-life vision loss to dementia. “People born with or who develop vision loss early often build remarkable cognitive resilience over time. The brain adapts. Other sensory and cognitive systems strengthen.”
Is cataract linked with cognitive decline?
Cataract surgery is associated with a 25 percent lower risk of cognitive decline compared to uncorrected cataracts.
Steps to preserve vision and cognitive health
Regular eye testing is the primary step to mitigate risks and treat correctable conditions.
Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition.