Can Cataract Surgery Curtail the Risk of Dementia?

Cataract surgery is linked to a 30% lower risk of dementia in the aging population as per a study at the University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine, published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study utilized data from more than 5,000 participants who were above the age of 65 years. Based on the longitudinal data of over 3,000 ACT (The Adult Changes in Thought) studies, the scientists established the role of cataract surgery in dementia.

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‘Risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease might be reduced by 30% with cataract surgery among the aged ones.’

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It was also found that cataract surgery was also associated with lower risk of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

Dementia and Cataract Surgery

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia – a neurodegenerative disease that leads to gradual memory loss and behavioral changes. It is characterized by the pathological hallmark formation of beta-amyloid plaques and the tau proteins in the brain tissues, long (almost 20 to 30 years) before the actual symptoms occur.

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“This kind of evidence is as good as it gets in epidemiology. This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals,” says Lead researcher Dr. Cecilia S Lee, associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

However, the study did not succeed in demonstrating the mechanisms behind cataract surgery and reduced dementia risk.

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Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.

“Some special cells in the retina are associated with cognition and regulate sleep cycles, and these cells respond well to blue light. Cataracts specifically block blue light, and cataract surgery could reactivate those cells,” says Lee by pointing towards a hypothesis.

The study thereby highlights a strong link on the eye-brain connection in dementia and may help in uncovering the contribution of our senses in age-related disorders like dementia.

Source-Medindia