AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and cognitive decline, particularly dementia: What's the link?
Article Title: Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Dementia: A Growing Concern for Older Adults
A growing body of research suggests that Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and dementia may be linked, with both conditions posing significant concerns for older adults.
AMD, a leading cause of visual impairment in people over 60, may increase the risk of developing dementia, a condition associated with loss of cognitive processes. However, the exact mechanisms behind this association are still under investigation.
A 2019 review of previous studies found a two-way link between AMD and dementia, while not all research agrees on the link between AMD and Alzheimer's disease, a common form of dementia.
Recent large-scale clinical trials, such as the 2025 U.S. POINTER study, provide strong evidence that multidomain lifestyle interventions can significantly improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. These interventions include regular physical activity, adherence to a diet like the MIND diet, cognitive training and social engagement, and heart health monitoring.
While the U.S. POINTER trial did not exclusively focus on individuals with AMD, its findings are relevant because both conditions share common risk factors and possibly overlapping pathophysiological pathways. Therefore, interventions that reduce dementia risk by targeting cardiovascular and neurocognitive health may also benefit people with AMD.
In terms of medical interventions, the emphasis is currently on lifestyle modifications. However, research suggests that combining lifestyle changes with pharmacological treatments may be a promising approach in the future.
Individuals living with AMD are advised to discuss their condition with their doctors regularly, especially for signs and symptoms of dementia. It's also recommended to talk with a doctor before starting any new supplement, making radical changes to diet, or beginning an exercise program.
Other comorbid conditions that may increase the risk of dementia include heart disease, stroke, and depression. Taking steps to protect cardiovascular health, such as monitoring blood pressure and reducing cholesterol, may help prevent both Alzheimer's disease and AMD.
It's important to note that while direct clinical trials focused solely on AMD and dementia linkage are limited, current evidence supports structured, multidomain lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk, which likely benefits individuals with AMD due to shared risk factors and underlying mechanisms.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the link between AMD and dementia, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, cognitive training, and heart health monitoring may help reduce the risk of both conditions for older adults.
References:
- POINTER Trial
- MIND Diet
- U.S. POINTER Study Findings
- AMD and Dementia Link
- Lifestyle Interventions for Dementia Prevention
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