Vision loss a dementia risk factor

A Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention, intervention and care has included evidence that untreated vision loss was a risk factor for dementia. The evidence supported adding vision loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia alongside the existing 12, which included less education, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

It recommended making screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all to reduce dementia risk across the course of life. The report noted that treatment for vision loss was effective and cost-effective but often went untreated in low-middle income countries. ‘A clear opportunity for dementia prevention exists with treatment of visual loss,’ the report stated.