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Association Between Visual Impairment and Decline in Cognitive Function in a Multiethnic Asian Population
Zhi Wei Lim1,2, Miao-Li Chee1, Zhi Da Soh1
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
JAMA Network Open
|April 24, 2020
Summary
Poor vision is linked to cognitive decline in older Asian adults. Preventing vision loss, especially from correctable issues like refractive errors and cataracts, may help maintain cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The aging population faces increasing burdens of visual impairment (VI) and cognitive decline.
- Cross-sectional studies suggest a link between VI and cognitive decline, but longitudinal data, especially in Asian populations, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between visual impairment and cognitive function decline.
- To identify potential risk factors for cognitive decline in a multiethnic Asian population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based cohort study involving 2478 Chinese, Indian, and Malay adults aged 60+ in Singapore.
- Visual acuity was assessed at baseline and after 6 years; cognitive function was measured using the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT).
- Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the association between baseline VI and changes in AMT scores, adjusting for various health and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Baseline visual impairment was significantly associated with a decrease in AMT scores over 6 years (β = -0.27, P < .001).
- Deteriorating vision over the study period also correlated with cognitive decline (β = -0.29, P < .001).
- Among those with significant cognitive decline and VI, undercorrected refractive error (45.2%) and cataract (35.5%) were the primary causes of vision loss.
Conclusions:
- Poor vision is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in older Asian adults.
- Preventable causes of vision loss, such as refractive errors and cataracts, highlight the potential for vision preservation strategies to mitigate cognitive decline.
- Maintaining good vision may be a crucial interventional approach for preserving cognitive health in aging populations.
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