Eye health tied to brain health

A long-term study known as the Adult Changes in Thought Study is a cohort study that focused on dementia and Alzheimer's. The study was launched in 1994 by researchers at Washington Health Research Institute and the University of Washington and followed 5,400 dementia-free adults. Researchers have found that there is a close link between common eye conditions and dementia and Alzheimer's risk. 

Study results demonstrated that the same factors that can lead to eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are tied to brain health. Some of the findings showed that people with AMD were 20 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have eye disease. Participants with diabetic retinopathy were 44 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have diabetic retinopathy. And finally, people who were diagnosed with glaucoma also had a 44 percent higher risk of developing dementia.

The only preventative measures for dementia and Alzheimer's is preventing cardiovascular disease by maintaining a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and managing a healthy weight. The same dietary tips for maintaining good eye health also benefit the brain.