Memory and Confusion Complaints in Visually Impaired Older Adults: An Understudied Aspect of Well-Being

• Main Authors: Moon Jeong Lee BS, Varshini Varadaraj MD, MPH, Pradeep Y. Ramulu MD, PhD, Heather E. Whitson MD, MHS, Jennifer A. Deal MHS, PhD, Bonnielin K. Swenor MPH, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2019-01-01
• Series: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721418818944

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cognitive (memory or confusion) complaints in older adults with visual impairment (VI). Method: We assessed the relationship between VI (corrected visual acuity [VA] < 20/40) and self-reported confusion or problems with memory among participants aged 60 years to 85 years in the 1999-2006 cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 5,795). Prevalence estimates of cognitive complaints were calculated using Current Population Surveys. Results: Memory/confusion complaints were reported in 22% of the VI group and 11% of the no VI group ( p < .001). In individuals aged ≥ 80 years, 30% of those with VI reported cognitive complaints, as compared with 19% with no VI ( p = .003). In fully adjusted models, individuals with VI were more likely (OR = 1.3, p = .049) to report cognitive complaints as compared with those without VI. Conclusion: Subjective reports of memory or confusion are highly prevalent in older individuals with VI.