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Association Between Cataract Extraction and Development of Dementia
Cecilia S Lee1,2, Laura E Gibbons3, Aaron Y Lee1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle.
JAMA Internal Medicine
|December 6, 2021
Summary
Cataract surgery may reduce dementia risk in older adults. This study found a significant association between cataract extraction and lower dementia development, suggesting potential clinical relevance for vision preservation interventions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Visual impairment is a significant concern for older adults.
- Interventions like cataract extraction may impact cognitive health and dementia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cataract extraction and the risk of dementia in older adults.
- To determine if vision-preserving surgery influences cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 3038 participants aged 65+ from the Adult Changes in Thought study.
- Analysis of electronic medical records for cataract/glaucoma diagnoses and surgeries.
- Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and weighted marginal structural models were used.
Main Results:
- Cataract extraction was associated with a 29% reduced risk of dementia (HR, 0.71; P < .001).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for numerous confounders.
- Glaucoma surgery showed no significant association with dementia risk (HR, 1.08; P = .68).
Conclusions:
- Cataract extraction is significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia.
- Cataract surgery may represent a novel intervention to potentially reduce dementia risk in aging populations.
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