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Thanks for reading The Abstract. This month’s edition is
1,276 words, about a
5-minute read.
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Just four days ago we launched
Vision to the public—it’s our breakthrough product for eye longevity, protection, and performance. In this month’s edition of
The Abstract, we focus our attention on the eyes, covering one study about the relationship between visual impairment and cognitive decline, and another about the positive association between macular pigment density and improved cognition. Together they paint a hopeful picture for those who want to actively support their long-term visual and cognitive health. Also in this month’s longevity science roundup: the ultra-processed foods to avoid for heart health, how the aging immune system fuels cancer, and many new applications for GLP-1 agonist drugs beyond weight loss.
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Visual impairment—especially contrast sensitivity—linked to cognitive decline
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Melbourne Edge Test for contrast sensitivity
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Visual impairment and cognitive decline are related. In a new study, researchers examined data from 2,767 U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, finding that up to 19.0% of dementia cases could be attributed to at least one vision impairment. Their findings suggest a stronger contribution to dementia from vision impairment than from cardiovascular conditions. Vision impairment was defined as impairment to near acuity, distance acuity, or contrast sensitivity. Contrast sensitivity (ability to distinguish details and foreground versus background) was the biggest risk factor, followed by near acuity (the ability to see clearly at close distances).
Researchers point to three pathways by which vision impairment increases the risk of dementia: 1) increased social isolation and loneliness, 2) increased cognitive load from poor sensory encoding; 3) neurodegeneration and cortical reorganization from sensory deprivation.
These findings are consistent with previous research. In 2021,
a study of 1,202 older adults also found that different types of vision impairment (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereo acuity) were associated with cognitive decline. Impaired contrast sensitivity was associated with declines across more cognitive domains than the other measures of visual function, including visual acuity, which is more commonly measured.
The good news is that vision impairment can be treated or prevented in many cases through surgery, supplementation, and visual rehabilitation.
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The Expert’s Take:
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“It has been long known that patients with reduced visual function have higher rates of dementia and even mortality. This recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in September 2024 supports that theory, demonstrating that up to 19% of dementia cases were attributed to at least one visual impairment. They found that decreased contrast sensitivity was the form of visual impairment most highly associated with cognitive decline. We know that decreased contrast sensitivity has a higher impact on overall visual function than traditional measures of visual function, such as visual acuity, and thus may have a greater association with cognitive performance. The study findings support inclusion of vision health as an important, modifiable factor in dementia prevention strategies.”
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| Theodore Leng, M.D., M.S.
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Director of Clinical and Translational Research and Director of Ophthalmic Diagnostics at Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, member of the Elysium Scientific Advisory Board and
Vision product advisor
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THIS MONTH
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What We’re Reading
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These are third-party articles about science that we find interesting but have no relationship to Elysium or any of our products. Elysium’s products are not intended to screen, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Macular pigment density linked to improved cognitive function
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| Macular pigments lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are specialized dietary carotenoids that collect in the eye’s macula, the central part of the light sensitive membrane in the eye. They offer protection from blue light and oxidative stress. A new study finds that these powerful plant pigments are also associated with improved cognitive function. In a systematic review of 19 studies, researchers explored the link between macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of the amount of macular pigments in the macula, and cognitive functions. They found that higher MPOD levels were associated with improvements in memory, processing speed, attention, and reasoning. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been found in the brain, and MPOD levels are thought to reflect the brain levels of these carotenoids. While the mechanism is unclear, researchers believe their health benefits in the brain are related to their antioxidant characteristics. (Physiology and Behavior)
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Some ultra-processed foods are worse than others
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Ultra-processed foods (UPF) make up 73% of the U.S. food supply and account for 57% of energy intake among U.S. adults—and they contribute to many chronic diseases. A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health investigated the relationship between UPFs and cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. They found that not all UPFs are created equal. While higher total intake of UPFs was positively associated with a higher risk of CVD, CHD, and stroke, some groups of foods were harmful while others were actually beneficial. Sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and artificially-sweetened beverages were associated with higher CVD and CHD risk. Ultra-processed savory snacks, cold cereals, and yogurt/dairy-based desserts were inversely associated with CVD and CHD risk.
(The Lancet Regional Health)
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The aging immune system fuels cancer
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Aging is the biggest risk factor for cancer—but why? A new study by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai suggests that chronic inflammation is a culprit. First, the team used mouse models to study the progression of cancer in the aging immune system. They discovered that age-related inflammation triggered pro-tumor macrophages, immune cells that suppress the body’s ability to fight cancer. Next, they used a drug commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions called anakinra to block specific inflammatory pathways associated with the molecules interleukin-1⍺ (IL-1⍺) and IL-1β. By blocking the inflammatory pathways, they rejuvenated the immune systems of the mice and reduced cancer growth. They’re now focused on translating the findings into clinical practice and have designed early-phase clinical trials to use anakinra in high-risk patients. (Mount Sinai)
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Are obesity drugs a cure-all?
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Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide are used commonly for weight loss, but studies now suggest they may provide benefits for conditions including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney ailments, and Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials are also underway for such disparate applications as fatty liver disease, male infertility, addiction, suicidal ideation—the list goes on. Researchers are now trying to understand how GLP-1 drugs confer these benefits. Some are clearly mediated by weight loss. In other cases, researchers hypothesize that the drugs work by interacting with the brain and peripheral organ systems to modulate appetite control, mood regulation, and reward. GLP-1 agonists also seem to help tame inflammation, a driver of many chronic conditions and diseases. While promising, these new weight loss drugs require more research to determine their long-term benefits and risks. (Nature)
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TERM OF THE MONTH
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Contrast sensitivity
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/ˈkɑːn.træst ˌsen.səˈtɪv.ə.t̬i/
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Contrast sensitivity refers to the ability to distinguish between objects or patterns with varying degrees of contrast—differences in shade, brightness, or color between an object and its background. It allows us to make out the details and subtle distinctions in the foreground and the background. Contrast sensitivity is a significant predictor of visual performance in the real world, impacting daily tasks like reading and driving, as well as performance-oriented sports and activities.
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AGING 101
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Screens and your eyes: Should you be protecting yourself?
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The average American spends seven hours a day in front of a screen. Learn how prolonged screen use can impact your eyes and what you can do to protect them. (Read more)
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