| Summary: | Dementia describes the state of cognitive decline from a prior level of function to the extent that it interferes with daily activities. Currently, 47 million individuals worldwide are struggling with dementia, a number that is projected to increase to 75 million by 2030. This detrimental disease serves as a complicating factor for a wide range of medical concerns, including vision care. Many providers are not trained in the nuances of vision care in patients with cognitive decline. Patients struggling with dementia may not be able to articulate specific visual complaints. Vision loss may affect dementia or conversely be affected by dementia. Thus, patients may present with normal acuity and/or have a normal anterior and posterior segment eye exam, visual field testing may be considered to evaluate for visual field defects that can aid with the diagnosis. Given in that the largest global demographic is aging even as training in geriatric medicine declines, few physicians are left with enough tools to properly assess dementia and its other physical comorbidies. This video is a concise, excellent resource designed to help physicians identify dementia, consider its diagnostic and exam techniques, and employ the appropriate treatment and management techniques.
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