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Whilst memory loss is something everyone dreads in later years, the Alzheimers Association Conference held in Copenhagen this week has discovered this interesting and possibly life changing fact. Cataract surgery has been found to improve the recall memory of patients suffering with dementia.
Twenty people, all suffering with various degrees of dementia were followed in a trial at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland US. Out of the twenty selected, eight were not given the cataract surgery. The reseach found that the twelve patients who underwent surgery had reduced cognitive decline and their moods were improved. A huge difference to the remaining eight patients that had no surgical intervention.
Dr Doug Brown, the director of research and development at the Alzheimers Society said, "This small study suggests that the cataract surgery may benefit those with demetia, whilst also improving their vision too."
Even though this does need to be regulated, the study showed that surgery for anyone with a progressive health condition, like dementia, could possibly benefit. Sadly, some people don't see the value of this kind of surgery. It would be wonderful to see this replicated in larger trials. It could quite easily improve the quality of life for anyone suffering with demetia. Statistics show that up to 800,000 people in the UK suffer.