Poor Eye Health Can Also Lead To A Misdiagnosis Of Mild Mental Decline In Older People

Written by Sarah Cownley
Published on

Most people know that good eye health is essential for seniors, but did you know that poor eye health can lead to a misdiagnosis of mild mental decline? This is something that all seniors and their caregivers should be aware of, as it can potentially impact the quality of life.

Vision problems are more common in older adults, and as many as 1 in 4 people over the age of 50 have undiagnosed vision problems. These problems can include cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can impact visual assessments of mental sharpness.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50, and it can cause central vision to become blurred or distorted. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, and they can also cause vision to become fuzzy or blurry. Both AMD and cataracts can make reading, driving, or recognizing faces difficult.

Cognitive tests are used to assess a person’s cognitive skills and abilities. They can be used to diagnose cognitive impairment, determine eligibility for disability benefits, or make decisions about educational and employment opportunities.

However, cognitive tests are not perfect. A mistaken score could have devastating ramifications, leading to unnecessary changes to a person’s living, working, financial or social circumstances. For example, a person with poor eyesight may be wrongly diagnosed with cognitive impairment and placed in a nursing home. Or, a person with cognitive disabilities may be denied the benefits that they need to live independently.

A mistaken score that results in a wrongful diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment could also trigger mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.

It is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of cognitive testing to ensure that inaccurate test results do not unnecessarily disrupt people’s lives.

If you have vision problems, it is essential to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Treatment for vision problems can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but it is important to get help if you are experiencing vision problems to stay mentally sharp. 

Keeping Eye Health and Brain Function Healthy

One of the primary causes of age-related vision loss is low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors. Some of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are vegetables, but it is difficult to get enough of these pigments from diet alone.

20/20 Vision contains 20 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. In addition to those two ingredients, this unique formula also contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, other factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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