Vision Tests Could Diagnose Dementia 12 Years Earlier Than Usual, Says Research

Dementia is an incurable ailment that afflicts many people. However, early diagnosis and proper monitoring could prove to be a game-changer in maintaining the quality of life. A new study published in Scientific Reports proposes a method to detect dementia early. It was recognized by monitoring 8,623 healthy people in Norfolk, England, for many years. The assessment showcased that visual sensitivity can determine whether a person will get dementia in the future.  Researchers were able to zero down on one test that correctly predicted which person from their test would have dementia in the future. 

Eyes: Window to the Brain

Researchers conducted a visual test on the 8,623 participants at the beginning of the assessment, according to The Conversation. In the test, the participants were asked to press a button when they saw a triangle forming amidst a field of moving dots. Amongst the 8,623 participants, 537 were later diagnosed with dementia. People with dementia were slower to notice the triangle compared to people who did not have the condition. Their data suggested that dementia could be diagnosed around 12 years before with tests like these. It could mean that people who had less visual sensitivity were more vulnerable to dementia. 

The visual tests like these could be a great way to detect possible dementia in the future. It is because past examinations have indicated that amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's supposedly impact brain portions associated with vision first, and then the zones related to memory. Hence, vision tests could be a better indicator of dementia than memory tests. "Combining visual processing tests with other neuropsychological tests could improve the identification of future dementia risk," researchers concluded. 

Other Visual Markers Related to Dementia

Another visual feature that researchers associated with dementia was the ability to detect contrast and determine the difference between similar colors, according to Prevention. Past studies have also pointed out that people who are unable to ignore visual distractions to such an extent that it impacts their eye movements can also be an indication of dementia. The team is also investigating if this inability to ignore visual distractions causes eye-movement-control issues, resulting in problems with skills, like driving. 

Also, experts indicate that people with dementia face problems in processing a new person's face in the early stages. It happens because such individuals do not follow the typical pattern of scanning faces, which goes from eyes to nose to mouth. This pattern is called imprinting and is done by moving the eyes. Oftentimes, it is noticeable when a person does not follow this pattern. Many doctors working with dementia patients are easily able to diagnose if a person has dementia due to similar behavior. People with dementia seem lost, as they don't move their eyes to register their surroundings, including faces. It could imply that dementia in the early stages impacts vision rather than memory.

Vision Exercises: A Solution to Dementia?

Researchers have found that eye exercises could improve memory. A past examination found that people who read, predictably by moving their eyes, had better memory and less risk of dementia. However, such individuals could be associated with education, which typically leads to enhanced brain reserve capacity, which could be a factor in making individuals less vulnerable to dementia. Another assessment showed that eye exercises with left-to-right and right-to-left movement resulted in good autobiographical memory. Despite these exciting developments, using eye movements as a diagnostic tool is still not a reality. It could be because the eye-tracking technology is expensive and cannot be distributed widely.

Currently, hearing tests are more preferred as a diagnostic method, because it has been found that using hearing aids can slow cognitive decline in people with dementia. Researchers believe the situation should change, considering the massive benefits the methodology brings. "I do think it's going to be an area we explore more in the future," said Bavand Youssefzadeh, D.O., an ophthalmologist at Global Lasik and Cataract Institute in Huntington Beach, California.