Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it slowly damages the eye without noticeable early symptoms.
It affects the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Most cases of glaucoma occur due to high pressure inside the eye. However, there is a less common form known as normal-tension glaucoma. In this condition, the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure remains within the normal range.
Scientists have long studied what causes this type of glaucoma, but recent research has uncovered an unexpected connection between it and another serious disease—Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking, and behavior. As it progresses, it affects a person’s ability to perform even simple daily tasks.
Scientists have been searching for clues about what causes Alzheimer’s and whether other health conditions might be linked to it. A new study from Taiwan suggests that normal-tension glaucoma may be one of those conditions.
A Surprising Discovery
Researchers analyzed medical records from over 15,000 people with normal-tension glaucoma and compared them to 61,000 people without the condition. They followed these individuals for 12 years, tracking their health over time.
What they found was surprising—people with normal-tension glaucoma were 52% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without glaucoma.
The risk was even higher for older women and those who had experienced a stroke. Even patients who received medication for their glaucoma did not seem to have a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s. This suggests that the link between the two diseases is not just related to eye pressure but may involve other factors within the body.
Dr. Yu-Yen Chen, the lead researcher, suggested that people with normal-tension glaucoma should also be monitored for signs of Alzheimer’s. Early detection could help patients receive the care and support they need sooner.
What Might Be the Connection?
Scientists are still trying to understand why normal-tension glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease seem to be linked. One possibility is that both conditions involve problems with nerve cells.
In glaucoma, the optic nerve cells that carry visual signals from the eye to the brain become damaged and die. In Alzheimer’s, brain cells responsible for memory and thinking also deteriorate over time. Both diseases may share similar underlying causes, such as poor blood flow, oxidative stress, or difficulties in clearing harmful proteins from the body.
If researchers can uncover the exact connection between these diseases, it might open the door to new treatments that could help protect both the eyes and the brain.
What Can We Learn From This?
Not everyone with normal-tension glaucoma will develop Alzheimer’s, but this study highlights how closely our eye health and brain health are connected. It serves as an important reminder that regular check-ups with both eye doctors and general physicians are essential, especially as we age.
Early detection of either condition could allow for better management and improved quality of life. If you notice any changes in vision or memory, it’s important to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
As scientists continue to study the link between glaucoma and Alzheimer’s, understanding these connections can help us take better care of our overall health. By paying attention to both vision and brain function, we may be able to reduce risks and live healthier lives in the long run.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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