Cataract surgery improves Alzheimer's Disease symptoms

A recent study revealed that people with mild forms of Alzheimer's disease saw an improvement in their cognitive functioning as well as their sleep patterns and mood following cataract surgery. This study is the first one conducted to determine the benefits of cataract surgery for Alzheimer patients. Researchers at the Tenon Hospital in Paris studied 38 patients with mild Alzheimer's and disabling cataract in at least one eye before and after they underwent cataract surgery. Results showed that 25% of these patients showed an improvement in their cognitive status and many of the patients became less depressed. It is hoped that future studies will be able to reveal what factors led to the positive effects that were found in this study so the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers can be improved.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer