Optometrists Role in Helping Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a multifaceted disease. The impacts of AD are alarming. Optometrists, as primary care clinicians, can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Reports show that a simple eye test might be able to detect AD before symptoms develop. With a growing number of the aging population, a better understanding of the effects of AD is crucial. The Alzheimer's Association and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) have both initiated programs intended to promote public awareness of strategies to protect and improve cognitive abilities among older adults. Alzheimer's Disease is known to have an impact on eyesight, where 60% of sufferers have impaired vision. Studies show that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, results in the death of retinal cells. Some research shows that that cells start to die 10 to 20 years before the symptoms of Alzheimer's become apparent, which could potentially allow people to be screened for AD in middle age. However, there is the fear of knowing one will have the disease in the future and also having insurance companies increase premiums for those who test positive at that earlier age. This presentation will focus on finding ways for optometrists to help Alzheimer's patients and increase their quality of life.