Did you know that vision impairment as a risk factor for dementia is a potentially modifiable condition? Yes, in fact, a recent study found that between 4.9%-19% of dementia cases are attributed to at least one vision impairment. There have been a few studies on this topic, but none have reported on multiple vision impairments, such as distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

Contrast sensitivity impairment showed the strongest relationship, followed by near acuity impairment. The near acuity impairment didn’t surprise me, as most people tend to need “readers” as they get older, but the contrast sensitivity impairment was particularly interesting. What is contrast sensitivity? It is the ability to distinguish between an object and the background behind it and can be a symptom of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration.

Think about it. Remember when you were in grade school, the bathrooms were so ugly, with all gray tile and black toilet seats? Contrast. Now we have lovely, spa-type bathrooms, but no contrast. We design beautiful communities focusing on de-institutionalization, but could this be problematic for residents living with contrast sensitivity? We are all familiar with vision impairment and its relationship to an increased risk of falls, but vision impairment as a risk factor for dementia?

Bottom line, when was the last time your residents had an eye exam with an eye care professional? Are residents wearing prescription eyewear, and are the lenses cleaned as needed? Look at your resident rooms—is there enough contrast to allow residents to move about with confidence? Add this to your QAPI agenda, recruit a champion, and let’s go! Stay well and stay informed!