Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death. In its initial stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to execute a conversation and respond to their environment.
According to Alz.org, Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Current statistics show that 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is estimated to rise to 14 million. Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops this disease. It is a disease known for placing a great burden on caregivers. The pressure on caregivers is wide ranging involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements. Patients with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from 4 to 20 years, depending on the age onset and other health conditions. Making these years as comfortable as possible is certainly a caregiver’s goal.
One way to potentially make an Alzheimer patient’s life more comfortable is by maximizing their eye health and vision. The VIVA study, completed several years ago, found that patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also showed improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors. This was the first study to specifically assess whether cataract surgery could benefit Alzheimer's patients. Thirty-eight patients, average age 85 and all exhibiting mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease completed the study. All participants had dense cataracts in at least one eye and were treated with a standard cataract surgery protocol.
The results showed that cataract surgery significantly improved visual acuity, behavior, and lessened depression, especially in patients with mild dementia. Sleep pattern behavior was especially improved. It was noted however, that in some patients, agitation and motor behavior increased in the immediate post-operative period. Unfortunately, no changes were found in the patient’s ability to function independently.
The sleep pattern changes were the most beneficial for both the patients and caregivers in that, nighttime behavior problems decreased in most study patients. A study from Denmark published late in 2011 also showed similar sleep pattern improvements after cataract surgery. It has long been established that cataracts block low wavelength colors like blues and greens. Blue light functions to release sleep regulating hormone melatonin in the brain, which induces sleep. By removing cataracts, levels of melatonin become more normalized resulting in improved sleep patterns.
Studies like these are exciting for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. If you have questions about eye health and vision for you or a family member, please contact our office in Stillwater at 405-372-1715. We also invite you to visit our website at www.cockrelleyecare.com and message us on Instagram and Facebook at Cockrell Eye Care Center!