Decline of vision to complete loss of sight.
World Health Organization Blindness and vision impairment
This illustrative image was created with the support of DALL·E 2025.
Why is vision loss a risk factor for dementia?
| Mechanisms: | Common causes with other diseases: Both vision loss and dementia can be caused by diseases such as diabetes. There may be common pathological changes in the eye and brain. Direct effects: Fewer visual stimuli can affect the brain. The greater the vision loss, the higher the risk of dementia. Social isolation and depressionVision loss often leads to social isolation. Social isolation increases the risk of depression. Both isolation and depression are known risk factors for dementia (see above). |
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
What can I do?
- Let your vision check regularly.
- If available: Use your vision aids, e.g., glasses or contact lenses.
- Discuss with your doctor whether surgery is advisable and possible (e.g., cataract surgery).
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
