Is visual function associated with cognitive activity engagement in middle-aged and elderly individuals? A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Ophthalmology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Cognitive activity engagement is crucial for maintaining brain health in aging.
• Visual function, encompassing near visual acuity (nVA) and contrast sensitivity (CS), may influence cognitive engagement.
• Understanding these associations can inform interventions for cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between visual function (nVA, CS, and a compound visual function score) and cognitive activity engagement in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
• To explore if visual function is associated with mild cognitive impairment.
• To determine the specific roles of nVA and CS in cognitive engagement.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 120 individuals aged 50-89.
• Cognitive activity engagement assessed using the Florida Cognitive Activity Scale (FCAS).
• Visual function measured by nVA and CS, combined into a visual function (VF) score. Multivariable linear regression models were employed.

Main Results:

• Contrast sensitivity (CS) was significantly associated with higher cognitive abilities, while nVA was not.
• The association between CS and higher cognitive abilities was attenuated when nVA was considered.
• In retired individuals, a lower compound visual function (VF) score correlated with lower overall cognitive activity, higher cognitive abilities, and frequent cognitive abilities scores.

Conclusions:

• Contrast sensitivity, not near visual acuity, is important for engagement in higher cognitive activities in older adults.
• Reduced visual function in retired individuals is linked to decreased cognitive engagement across various domains.