Poster Session: Assessing the relationship between central visual field loss, physical activity, and cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Central vision loss, often due to macular-affecting pathologies (MAP), significantly impairs daily activities, mobility, and social engagement.
• Such impairments are linked to accelerated cognitive decline and affect healthy aging processes.
• Understanding the interplay between vision loss, physical activity, and cognitive function is crucial for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cognitive and physical changes in individuals with MAP versus age-matched sighted controls.
• To investigate the relationship between visual status, physical activity levels, and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Recruited participants with MAP and sighted controls from the USA and UK.
• Assessed cognitive function using the MoCA-Blind (Montreal Cognitive Assessment validated for the visually impaired).
• Evaluated physical and lifestyle activity using the augmented Victoria Longitudinal Study (aVLS) questionnaire and the Timed Up-and-Go test.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MAP reported significantly lower physical and lifestyle activity levels compared to sighted controls, as measured by the aVLS questionnaire.
• Both visual status (MAP vs. sighted) and aVLS activity levels predicted MoCA-Blind scores.
• The Timed Up-and-Go test did not predict MoCA-Blind scores when age was controlled for.

Conclusions:

• Physical and lifestyle activity levels, alongside visual status, are significant predictors of cognitive function in individuals with central vision loss.
• Macular-affecting pathologies are associated with reduced physical activity, which may contribute to cognitive differences observed.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the causal pathways and develop targeted interventions.