Researchers have analysed the visual capabilities of more than 8,000 participants and concluded symptoms relating to one’s sight could be an early indicator of dementia
Changes to your vision could be an early warning sign of dementia, according to a new breakthrough study.
There are currently around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK alone, but this alarming figure is predicted to spiral to 1.6 million by 2040. While most people associate the disease with memory loss and confusion, there are a whole host of side-effects that can make simple daily tasks become strenuous.
Scientists are now looking at how a loss of visual sensitivity may be an early warning sign for cognitive decline. This is because amyloid plaques (proteins between nerve cells in the brain) are heavily linked with Alzheimer’s disease as well as our sight.
Published in the scientific journal Nature, the study recruited 8,623 ‘healthy’ participants aged 48-92 living in Norfolk over a seven-year period. Researchers conducted several health assessments at ‘regular intervals’ including cognition, physical function and eye health.
By the end of the study, 533 people had developed dementia – an umbrella term used to describe conditions affecting one’s cognitive ability, personality, behaviour, language and speech, such as Alzheimer’s disease. One of the assessments involved participants hitting the space bar of a keyboard as soon as they detected a triangle.
Scientists concluded those who developed dementia were much slower to spot the shape on the screen compared to participants who didn’t develop the condition. More research is needed to quantify these claims, as authors of the study point out its limitations – including ‘health volunteer bias’. This is where those with cognitive disabilities may not have wanted to have joined in on the research.
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The NHS does not list a loss of visual sensitivity as an official symptom for the most common types of dementia. If you’re concerned you or a loved one might have the disease, look out for these early warning signs:
- Memory loss
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Being confused about time and place
- Struggling to follow a conversation or ‘find the right word’
When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, symptoms can vary slightly. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Asking questions repetitively
- Becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
- Difficulty with numbers or handling money
- Becoming withdrawn and anxious
- Increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
Most of these symptoms may start off mild and will gradually worsen. If you spot them, you should make an appointment with your GP. Whilst there is no cure for dementia, getting a diagnosis means you’ll get the support and resources you need – and certain medications may slow down the development of these unpleasant symptoms. For help and support, click here.
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