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[Alzheimer's disease and visual impairment]
S Leruez1, C Annweiler, C Annweiller
1Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU d'Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49033 Angers cedex 9, France. stephanieleruez@hotmail.fr
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|January 17, 2012
Summary
Alzheimer disease often presents with memory loss, but visual disturbances can be the earliest sign. This review explores the range of visual system issues associated with Alzheimer disease in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Alzheimer disease (AD) is the leading cause of age-related cognitive decline.
- While memory impairment is characteristic, AD can manifest in various cognitive domains.
- Early visual symptoms are increasingly recognized in Alzheimer disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the spectrum of visual system disturbances in Alzheimer disease.
- To highlight the potential of visual symptoms as an early indicator of AD.
- To inform clinicians about the diverse ocular manifestations of AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Alzheimer disease and visual system dysfunction.
- Synthesis of findings on the prevalence and types of visual impairments in AD patients.
- Analysis of the relationship between visual deficits and AD progression.
Main Results:
- Visual symptoms, including visual field defects, altered visual perception, and eye movement abnormalities, are common in Alzheimer disease.
- These visual disturbances can precede or co-occur with cognitive decline.
- The specific visual manifestations can vary widely among individuals with AD.
Conclusions:
- Visual system disturbances represent a significant, often overlooked, aspect of Alzheimer disease.
- Ophthalmological assessment may aid in the early diagnosis and management of Alzheimer disease.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying visual dysfunction in AD.
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