Poor vision linked with dementia

Older people who don't have eye problems seen to immediately are putting themselves at risk of developing dementia.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that if senior citizens avoid getting treatment for visual disorders, they are far more likely to develop the degenerative illness.

This was said to be because good eyesight is necessary to indulge in activities such as reading - a mentally stimulating pursuit that can stave off conditions such as dementia.

Lead author Dr Mary Rogers has therefore urged elderly people who are suffering from poor vision to see an ophthalmologist and get treatment.

'It is important for elderly individuals to seek medical attention so that the causes of the problems can be identified and treated,' she commented.

Dr Rogers warned that visual disorders are very common among older people and can have 'serious consequences' if they not dealt with straight away.

Official figures show that about 570,000 in England have dementia, although this number is widely expected to double over the next three decades.

If you have a friend or relative with the condition, it may be wise to ensure they wear an Alzheimer's alert bracelet.

This could be a good way of making sure emergency medics know about their condition in the event of them needing quick treatment.