Vision and Cognition: Findings from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India—Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia. (16th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ehrlich, Joshua; Chien, Sandy; Lee, Jinkook
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 660
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2020-12-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Vision impairment (VI) is associated with cognitive decline and dementia, however little research has been conducted in India. Using data from LASI-DAD, linear models tested the association of VI (better-seeing eye <20/60) with cognitive domains including orientation, learning/memory, language, attention, and total cognition. Models were adjusted for age, sex, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. VI was significantly associated with lower orientation (β=-0.47, p<.01), learning/memory (β=-4.6, p<.01), attention (β=-1.6, p<.01), and total cognition (β=-8.4, p<.01), but not language (β=-0.14, p<.1) scores. The association of VI with cognitive measures did not vary by sex. For each measure, VI was equivalent to 5-13 years of cognitive aging. In summary, VI is associated with poorer performance in most cognitive domains among older Indian adults. Longitudinal data are needed to determine directionality and causality. Since >80% of VI in India is treatable, poor vision may represent a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.