Prevalence of Visual Impairment in Older People with Dementia and Its Impact: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background and objectivesVisual impairment and dementia both increase with age, and it is likely that many older people will suffer from both conditions. This scoping review aims to investigate the prevalence and types of visual impairment among older people with dementia, and the impact of visual impairment on older people with dementia and their carers. MethodsThis scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Studies in any setting involving people with dementia and some assessment of either visual impairment, eye diseases causing visual impairment or the impact of visual impairment were included.Results Thirty-one studies investigating the prevalence of visual impairment among older people with dementia were included with estimates ranging from 19.7% to 51.6%. Only ten studies reported on impacts of visual impairment on older people with dementia, including increased use of hospital services, increased disability and dependency, reduced social engagement, negative emotions, increased abnormal behaviours, loss of hobbies, difficulty in using visual aids or memory aids, and greater Neuropsychiatric Inventory symptoms. Only one study reported on impacts on carers and found increased conflict and physical exhaustion.Conclusion Visual impairment is common in older people with dementia and is associated with negative impacts on those with dementia and their carers. However, heterogeneity between studies in terms of setting and method for assessing VI make it difficult to compare findings between studies and further research is needed, particularly assessing the impact on carers.