In the past, some have thought that Alzheimer’s patients would have difficulty in coping with cataract surgery and the resulting vision changes. But cognitive ability, mood and sleep patterns improved in cataract surgery patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease in a recent study.
The 38 subjects all had mild dementia and an average age of 85. They had advanced cataract in at least one eye and underwent a cataract removal operation that included implantation of artificial intraocular lenses. All but one of the patients experienced dramatic vision improvement at both near and far distances.
The ability to notice, understand and respond appropriately to their environments improved in 25 percent of the patients; also, many experienced relief from depression. Most of the patients showed improvement in sleep patterns and nighttime behavioral issues.
Brigitte Girard, MD, the lead researcher of the study, presented the findings at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in late October.