Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Knowledge Centre Resource List
Subject: Blind/visual impairment
Date: 6 July 2010
Record ID 14374
Title: Sensory and cognitive association in older persons: Findings from an older Australian population
Author: Tay, T
Co-author: Wang, JJ et al
Imprint: 2006
Description: pp 386-394
Source: Gerontology
Main subject: Cognitive assessment
Subjects: Cognitive assessment; Older people; Visual impairment; Cognitive impairment; Deafness
Notes: Keywords: Visual impairment; Hearing loss; Cognitive impairment; Older population; Ageing; Blue Mountains Eye Study
Abstract: Background: Explanations for associations found between sensory and cognitive function remain unclear. Objective: To assess in an older Australian population: (1) the correlation between sensory and cognitive function across groups with a narrow age range; (2) any independent association between sensory and cognitive impairment. Methods: The authors examined 3,509 non-institutionalised residents aged 50+ years in the second cross-sectional survey of the Bule Mountain s Eye Study (1997-2000). Visual imparment was defined for best-corrected visual acuity (VA) <6/12 in the better eye, moderate to severe hearing loss for hearing threshold >40 dB (better ear), and likely cognitive imparment for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE <24 points. Results: The authors found likely cognitive impairment in 3.3%, vision impairment in 2.7% and moderate to severe hearing loss in 10.5% of this population. Correlation between VA or hearoing threshold and MMSE score increased with age. After adjusting for age, weak but significant correlation was evident in the normal ageing sample between vision and MMSE (r=0.12 with vision items included and r=0.11 with vision items excluded, both p<0.0001), and between hearing thresholds and MMSE (r= 0.12, p<0.0001). After adjusting for age, sex, education and history of stroke, people with vision impairment had a lower mean MMSE score than those with normal vision, regardless of whether vision-related items were included (27.1 vs. 28.6, p< 0.0001). People with likely cognitive imparment also had lower mean VA and higher mean hearing threshold tharn those without, after adjustment. Conclusions: The authors have documented an age-related correlation beetween sensory and cognitive function in a normal ageing sample. The association between sensory imparment and likely cognitive impairment remained significant after excluding vision-related MMSE items and adjusting for confounding factors. The data suggest that age-related decline and the effect of visual impairment on the measurement of cognition only partly explain the association between sensory and cognitive impairment in older people. Tables and statistics. [Abstract]
Class: HELD IN FILE 50 BY ACCNO ORDER
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 18/06/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 22/06/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 14373
Title: Untreated poor vison: a contributing factor to late-life dementia
Author: Rogers, MAM
Co-author: Langa, KM
Imprint: 2010
Description: pp 728-735
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology
Main subject: Risk factors
Subjects: Visual impairment; Risk factors; Dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Cognitive impairment; Research in dementia
Notes: Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Delirium; Amnestic; Cognitive disorders; Dementia; Health services research; Medicare; Memory disorders; Opthalmology; Vision disorders
Abstract: Ophthalmologic abnormalities have been described in patients with dementia, but the extent to which poor vision and treatment for visual disorders affect cognitive decline is not well defined. Linked data from the Health and Retirement Study and Medicare files (1992-2005) were used to follow the experiences of 625 elderly US study participants with normal cognition at baseline. The outcome was a diagnosis of dementia, cognitively impaired but no dementia, or normal cognition. Poor vision was associated with development of dementia (P = 0.0048); individuals with very good or excellent vision at baseline had a 63% reduced risk of dementia (95% confidence interval (CI): 20,82) over a mean follow-up period of 8.5 years. Participants with poorer vision who did not visit an ophthalmologist had a 9.5-fold increased risk of Alzheimer disease (95% CI: 2.3, 39.5) and a 5-fold increased risk of cognitively impaired but no dementia (95% CI: 1.6, 15.9). Poorer vision without a previous eye procedure increased the risk of Alzheimer disease 5-fold (95% CI: 1.5, 18.8). For Americans aged 90 years or older, 777.9% who maintained normal cognition had received at least one previous eye procedure compared with 51.7% of those with Alzheimer disease. Untreated poor vision is associated with cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer disease. Tables and statistics. [Abstract]
Class: HELD IN FILE 50 BY ACCNO ORDER
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 18/06/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 22/06/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 14354
Title: Prevalence and patterns of comorbid cognitive impairment in low vision rehabilitation for macular disease
Author: Whitson, HE
Co-author: Ansah, D et al
Imprint: 2010
Description: pp 209-212
Source: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Issue: Vol 50 Iss 2 March-April 2010
Main subject: Cognitive assessment
Subjects: Cognitive assessment; Comorbidity; Cognitive impairment; Visual impairment; Older people
Abstract: The prevalence of comorbid cognitive impairment among older adults referred to low vision rehabilitation (LVR) for macular disease is unknown. The authors performed cognitive testing on 101 adults aged 65 years or older with macular disease who were referred to the Duke LVR Clinic between September 2007 and March 2008. Scores on the telephone interview for cognitive stataus-modified (TICS-m) ranged from 7 to 44, with 18.8% of scores below an established cutoff for cognitive impairment (<=27) and an additional 27.7% of scores considered marginal (28-30). On letter fluency, 46% of participants scored at least 1x standard deviation (SD) below the mean for their age, gender, race, and education level, and 18% of participants scored at least 2x below their demographic mean. On logical memory, 26% of participants scored at least 1x below the mean for their age group and race and 6% scored at least 2x below their demographic mean. High prevalence of cognitive impairment, with particular difficulty in verbal fluency, may compromise the success of LVR interventions among macular disease patients. Additional work is needed to develop strategies to maximise function in older adults with common comorbidity. Tables and statistics. [Abstract]
Class: HELD IN FILE 50 IN ACCNO ORDER
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 11/06/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 14/06/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 14177
Title: Capacity to communicate: Sense's three-year project training independent mental capacity advocates in communication skills
Author: Lee-Foster, A
Imprint: 2010
Description: pp 32-42
Source: Journal of Adult Protection
Issue: Vol.12(1) February 2010
Main subject: Communication
Subjects: Communication; Advocacy; Adult protection; Deafness; Visual impairment
Notes: Keywords: Sense; Capacity to Communicate; Deafblind; Independent mental capacity advocate
Abstract: Sense, the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind, set up the Capacity to Communicate Project in response to the role of independent mental capacity advocates created by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (HM Government, 2005). The project provided training and information, harnessing best practice around communication and advocacy for people who lack capacity and who have little or no formal communication, in particular those with a dual sensory loss. As part of the training, advocates were asked to submit a written assignment . These [six] case studies, including some adult protection cases, have provided valuable information about the nature and process of independent mental capacity advocacy and what can be done to improve this relatively new statutory role, in particular developing better understanding, skills and processes and communication in order to represent and protect vulnerable adults. [Abstract]
Class: Journals held in library in title order
ISSN: 14668203
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 16/04/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 19/04/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 14148
Title: Understanding the experiences and needs of people with dementia and sight loss
Author: Lawrence, V
Co-author: Murray, J
Imprint: 2009
Description: pp 29-33
Source: Working with Older People
Issue: Vol 13 (3) September 2009
Main subject: Experiences of people with dementia
Subjects: Visual impairment; Older people; Carers; Quality of life; Support
Abstract: This article summarises the findings of a recent study carried out by the Thoms Pocklington Trust into how sight loss and dementia affects the lives of older people and their carers. Inclues case study, tables and statistics. For the occasional paper devoted to this study and the full research findings, both entitled 'The experiences and needs of people with dementia and serious visual impairment: A qualitative study', please see record IDs 13160 and 13206 respectively.
Class: Journals held in library in title order
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 09/04/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 09/04/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 14024
Title: When photographs come alive: Visual misinterpretations in Alzheimer's disease
Author: Aziz, VM
Co-author: Andrews, M; Warner, NJ
Imprint: 2010
Description: pp 8-9
Source: Old Age Psychiatrist
Issue: Winter 2010 No 51
Main subject: Delusions & hallucinations
Subjects: Visual impairment; Delusions & hallucinations; Older people; Depression
Abstract: Perceptual disorders in older people are common and have multiple aetiologies. The course of Alzheimer's disease is frequently complicated by psychiatric symptoms, including coexisting depression or psychotic symptoms. Sensory impairment and isolation often contribute to organic brain disease resulting in perceptual disorders. The authors present six cases where patients have mistaken photographs or television images for reality and discuss the phenomenology.
Class: Journals held in library in title order
ISSN: 1463- 6662
Bib type: A
GMD: text
Entered: 26/02/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 03/03/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 13967
Title: Visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia
Author: Murray, J
Co-author: ffytche, D; Briggs, K
Imprint: London : Thomas Pocklington Trust, 2009
Description: 20p.
Series: Occasional Paper No.23- November 2009
Source: Thomas Pocklington Trust, 5 Castle Row, Horticultural Place, Chiswick, London W4 4JQ; Tel: 020 8995 0880; Email:; Website: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
Main subject: Delusions & hallucinations
Subjects: Delusions & hallucinations; Visual impairment; People with dementia; Carers
Abstract: This report summarises the findings of a review carried out by research scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.The key finding of the review is that people with visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia form a group about which little is known. It has not been established how large the group is, whether they fare better or worse than those with either condition alone or how best to manage their hallucinations. More research is required to establish the needs and experiences of this group; also recommended are a survey of expertise in professional groups likely to encolunter visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia; and the development of interdisciplinary good practice guidelines, to discuss for example whether to inform and discuss hallucinations with people with sight loss and dementia.
Class: KBL (Mur)
WWW: Find it online: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/Resources/Thomas%20Pocklington/Documents/PDF/Research%20Publications/RF%2027.pdf
ISBN: 9781906464165
Bib type: M
GMD: text
Entered: 05/02/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 08/02/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 13857
Title: Visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia
Author: Murray, Joanna
Co-author: ffytche, Dominic; Briggs, Kate
Imprint: London : Thomas Pocklington Trust, 2009
Description: 7p.
Series: Research findings No. 27- December 2009
Source: Thomas Pocklington Trust, 5 Castle Row, Horticultural Place, Chiswick, London W4 4JQ; Tel: 020 8995 0880; Email:; Website: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
Main subject: Delusions & hallucinations
Subjects: Delusions & hallucinations; Visual impairment; People with dementia; Carers
Abstract: This report summarises the findings of a review carried out by research scientists at King's College Institute of Psychiatry of the medical and social science literature published on the subject of visual hallucinations in sight loss and dementia, and their impact on both those with the condition and their carers. It outlines the background to the review and identifies what research and other initiatives are needed to better understand the subject.
Class: KBL (Mur)
WWW: Find it online: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/Resources/Thomas%20Pocklington/Documents/PDF/Research%20Publications/RF%2027.pdf
ISBN: 9781906464165
Bib type: M
GMD: text
Entered: 05/01/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 11/02/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 13856
Title: Emotional support to people with sight loss
Author: Gosney, Margot A
Co-author: Victor, Christina R; Nyman, Samuel R
Imprint: London : Thomas Pocklington Trust, 2009
Description: 7p.
Series: Research findings No. 26- September 2009
Source: Thomas Pocklington Trust, 5 Castle Row, Horticultural Place, Chiswick, London W4 4JQ; Tel: 020 8995 0880; Email:; Website: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
Main subject: Non-pharmacological interventions
Subjects: Non-pharmacological interventions; Support; Visual impairment; Counselling
Abstract: This study was commissioned and funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, and undertaken by a research team at the University of Reading. Its purpose was to assess evidence of needs for emotional support among people with sight loss and the most effective ways of meeting those needs. To identify this evidence, a series of systematic literature reviews was conducted, along with a scoping survey to ascertain the extent of available provision of counselling for people with sight loss in the UK, and interviews with people with sight loss.
Class: KBL (Gos)
WWW: Find it online: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/research/projects/researchfindings/rf26
ISBN: 9781906464240
Bib type: M
GMD: text
Entered: 05/01/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 11/02/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 13855
Title: People with dementia and sight loss: A scoping study of models of care
Author: Bartlett, Ruth
Co-author: McKeefrey, Declan
Imprint: London : Thomas Pocklington Trust, 2009
Description: 7p.
Series: Research findings No. 25- December 2009
Source: Thomas Pocklington Trust, 5 Castle Row, Horticultural Place, Chiswick, London W4 4JQ; Tel: 020 8995 0880; Email:; Website: http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
Main subject: Dementia care
Subjects: Dementia care; Visual impairment; People with dementia; Models of care; Long-term care
Abstract: This study considers sensitivity to sight loss in models of dementia care. It follows on from previous research carried out at Kings College, London which discovered that few studies and reports address the needs and experiences of people with dementia and serious sight loss, even though both problems are common in older people and in particular among those living in long-term care facilities.
Class: KBL (Bar)
WWW: Find it online:http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/Resources/Thomas%20Pocklington/Documents/PDF/Research%20Publications/RF25.pdf
ISBN: 9781906464233
Bib type: M
GMD: text
Entered: 05/01/2010 jbaylis
Updated: 11/02/2010 jbaylis
Record ID 13769
Title: Make the most of your sight: Improve the lighting in your home