A Narrative Review of the Association Between Cataracts and Dementia

Dementia and cataract are two of the most prevalent conditions in older adults, together representing a substantial global health burden. Increasing evidence suggests a potential link between cataract and dementia, and this narrative review synthesizes current epidemiological and mechanistic evidence on their association. Recent cohort and case-control studies report a modestly increased risk of dementia in individuals with cataracts, though inconsistencies persist across populations. Mechanistic insights highlight roles for visual impairment and protein aggregation in this association. Importantly, cataract surgery shows a robust, protective effect against incident dementia, potentially via restoration of sensory input and enhanced cognitive engagement. Future studies may examine longitudinal, multi-ethnic cohorts that integrate genetic, imaging, and molecular data to investigate causality and the underlying biological mechanisms. In summary, our narrative review shows that cataract and dementia may be linked through multifactorial pathways, and maintaining visual health, particularly through timely cataract surgery, represents a potentially modifiable factor in dementia prevention strategies.