Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the relationship between visual ability and cognitive performance in older adults at baseline in a longitudinal study.
Methods:
Fifty participants 60 years of age and over were recruited for a longitudinal evaluation of changes in vision and cognitive performance. Participants met the following inclusion critieria: read and speak English, near visual acuity better than 20/200, and score 22 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants then completed a battery of tests to evaluate their visual ability and cognitive performance as well as performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).<br />
Results:
Analyses of baseline data revealed that participants had a mean age of 70.3 years, 64% were female, 92% Caucasian and 8% Hispanic. All participants had least 12 years of education, 44% reported having cataracts, 24% had age-related macular degeneration and 8% had glaucoma. Distance visual acuity was significantly correlated with measures of executive function, memory, processing speed and IADLs (ps<0.05). Near visual acuity was significantly correlated with measures of executive function and processing speed (ps<0.05). Contrast sensitivity was significantly correlated with measures of executive function, memory, and processing speed (ps<0.05). Self-reported eye diseases were significantly correlated with measures of memory and IADLs (ps<0.05). <br />
Conclusions:
At baseline, visual function and cognitive performance were significantly correlated across several cognitive domains. Visual function and self-reported eye disease were also significantly correlated with IADL performance. Longitudinal study of changes in both vision and cognition in a larger more ethnically diverse population are underway.<br />