Can Cataract Surgery Benefit Alzhiemer’s Patients?
October 26, 2011
In a first, findings presented by researchers from Paris at the 115th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology demonstrated improved cognitive ability, mood and sleep patterns in patients with mild Alzhiemer’s who underwent cataract surgery.
The study involved thirty-eight patients, average age 85 and all exhibiting mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s, and debilitating cataract in at least one eye. All participants were treated with standard cataract surgery and implantation of intraocular lenses.
After surgery, distance and near vision improved dramatically in all but one of the Alzheimer’s patients. Neurological exams were performed at one month before and three months after cataract surgery.
Cognitive status, the ability to perceive, understand and respond appropriately to one’s surroundings, improved in 25 percent of patients. Depression was relieved in many of them. Sleep patterns improved and night time behavior problems decreased in most study patients.
Click here for further details on the study.
Comments
Jump down to form below to submit your own comments
