Cataract surgery slows decline in cognition for dementia patients

People with Alzheimer’s disease who have surgery to remove cataracts benefit from an improved quality of life as well as better vision, a clinical trial has shown.

Preliminary results have been published at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark reporting cataract surgery also slows cognitive decline in people with the disease.

At the international conference, taking place between 12 July and 17 July, Alan Lerner, managing director of Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, reported the findings of an ongoing clinical trial looking into the benefits of cataract surgery for those with a form of Alzheimer’s.

Analysis from 20 surgical and eight non-surgical participants revealed those who had immediate surgery were able to complete daily activities more competently, experienced better moods and had improved vision compared to those who refused or had a delayed operation.

Mr Lerner said: "These preliminary results indicate that improved vision can have a variety of benefits for people with dementia and their loved ones both visual and non-visual.

"Our findings need to be verified in a larger study but they suggest the need to aggressively address dementia co-morbidities such as vision-impairing cataracts while balancing safety and medical risks.

"If the results hold up it will significantly affect how we treat cataracts in individuals with dementia. Other interventions to offset sensory loss – including vision and hearing – may help improve quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers."

The Alzheimer’s Association acknowledged the findings of the study and said people with dementia should not miss out on treatments which could improve their quality of life just because of their illness.

Maria Carrillo, Alzheimer's Association vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations, said: "This study supports the Alzheimer's Association view that people with dementia retain and benefit from full healthcare treatment.

"Too common attitudes such as 'There's no need for extra care' or 'Why put them through all of that' are not justified and are bad medical practice.

"Appropriate thoughtfulness and restraint are necessary when considering surgery or other procedures for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia. However we should not assume that medical procedures cannot be pursued or are too risky. As these new results show improving sensory abilities for example can provide benefits in a variety of ways – for people with Alzheimer's and also for their caregivers from whom unnecessary burden can be lifted."

The Alzheimer’s Association host its annual international conference to enable people to share their latest research, results and theories on the treatment and prevention of dementia to work towards a cure for the disease currently affecting over 820,000 people in the UK.