Associations of visual function with cognitive measures in an older adult community-based cohort: The Eye Determinants of Cognition (EyeDOC) Study

Abstract

Purpose : Understanding the coexistence of visual and cognitive impairment in older adults could inform prophylactic strategies for age-related cognitive change. Hence, we evaluated the longitudinal associations of vision with cognitive change in two community-based cohorts of older adults.

Methods : In participants of two centers of the ARIC study, presenting and corrected distance visual acuity (DVA), and contrast sensitivity (CS) were measured, for both, better- and worse-seeing eyes. Factor scores for global cognition, memory, executive function and language domains were calculated for ARIC study visits 5, 6 and 7. We quantified the associations of vision measures with cognitive outcomes, stratified by community/race, using generalized estimating equations.

Results : In our entire cohort (n=989), mean (SD) baseline age was 74 (4) years, with 37% males and 45% black Jackson community participants, with the remainder white Washington County community participants.
As hypothesized, we observed that after accounting for potential confounders, in the better-eye, worse presenting DVA was associated with a greater 10-year decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function in Washington County/white group (Table 1). Worse corrected DVA was associated with a greater 10-year decline in executive function in Washington County/white group. Better CS was associated with a less 10-year decline in global cognition, and executive function in Washington County/white group. None of these associations were confirmed in black Jackson participants, and these associations differed by community/race in the full cohort (Table 1).
Weaker associations were observed when worse-eye measurements were used (Table 2).

Conclusions : Our study supports a functional link between some vision measures and cognitive outcomes in older adults, but in only one of the two communities studied. It suggests the potential benefits of maintaining visual function for better cognitive health.

This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.

 

GEE regression estimates (95% confidence interval) of vision measures in better eye with 10-year change in cognitive outcomes, stratified by community/race (Washington County/white=542, Jackson/black=447)

 

GEE regression estimates (95% confidence interval) of vision measures in worse eye with 10-year change in cognitive outcomes, stratified by community/race (Washington County/white=542, Jackson/black=447)