Cataract Surgery Correlates with Reduced Risk of Dementia

Today's research materials report on a solid correlation between cataract surgery to restore vision and lower risk of later dementia. This provides support for the view that a reduced flow of sensory information to the brain accelerates the onset of neurodegeneration and loss of function with age. This is quite distinct from the usual set of underlying biochemical processes that are investigation in connection with cognitive decline and dementia: the accumulation of molecular waste in the brain; the chronic inflammation of brain tissue; the loss of mitochondrial function; the dysfunction of the vascular system leading to lesser delivery of oxygen and nutrients to an energy-hungry tissue; and so forth. In addition to all of these, laid atop the foundation of a failing biology, there is good evidence for a "use it or lose it" view of the aging brain. In the past, researchers have found correlation between age-related retinal degeneration (and consequent vision loss) and dementia, and between and age-related deafness and dementia. There is considerable discussion in the research community regarding the causes of the latter association. Is it that brain networks thrive on input, and deafness reduces that input, or is it that common processes of aging damage both the brain and the sensory hair cells of the inner ear? Looking at the surgical reversal of cataracts sidesteps the question of common age-related mechanisms, and supports the view that there is a causal relationshi...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs