In August, the NY Times published an article by Dana G. Smith, titled, “How Hearing and Vision Loss Increase the Risk of Dementia.”In brief, the article points to research that suggests that an “uncorrected vision loss”may increase the risk of dementia. I think there is a vital piece of this missing. How many readers with eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, etc. understood this to mean that as a result of their vision loss, which cannot be corrected, they are at a higher risk of dementia? It is not the uncorrected vision that increases the risk, rather the life activities that may be negatively impacted, that contribute to this increased risk.
The role of vision rehabilitation professionals is missing from this informative article. Not all vision loss is correctable. There are often no glasses or surgery that will restore the vision lost from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases or injury. Research shows that it is the loss of one of our major life activities that isolates us and may lead to depression—major contributors to dementia. Research also demonstrates that if those with a vision loss do not receive prompt training for adaptations to these life activities, like reading, driving, using the computer, recreational activities, etc. 30% will be clinically depressed within 3 months. Yes, a vision loss may be the catalyst for the isolation, inactivity, and depression that contributes to dementia, but it may be preventable.
Professionals, such as vision rehabilitation therapists and orientation and mobility specialists are the most highly trained vision rehabilitation professionals, who teach the adapted daily living skills that get people back to these important major life activities with their remaining vision, at whatever level—low vision or blindness. The sad part is that doctors rarely recommend their services, and Medicare doesn’t cover them. The good news is, if you know to look for vision rehab professionals at a local non-profit for the blind and visually impaired or a state rehabilitation agency for the blind and visually impaired you’ll find them and learn that there is often no charge for their services or it’s available on a sliding scale.
Considering the vital role vision rehabilitation may play in preventing dementia or delaying its onset in those who develop a vision loss later in life that’s not correctable with glasses or surgery it’s well past time Medicare covered these professionals and doctors begin to recommend them. To find one, go to the APH ConnectCenter Directory of Services to search by state or give them a call at 1-800-232-5263.