Regular eye tests could help ward off the chances of getting dementia in later life, a new study has suggested.

The research, published in the journal Jama Ophthalmology, involved almost 3,000 people in their 70s and older in the USA.

Overall 12.3% of the participants showed signs of dementia, but rates were far higher in people who had visual problems when tested.

For those with problems seeing things that were further away, the rate was 19.5%, The Times reported.

Meanwhile, for those who had problems with closer vision it was 21.5%, whilst in a group of people classed as having moderate to severe visual impairment, or who were blind, the rate was 32.9%.

The Northern Echo: People with moderate to severe visual impairment were found to have more chance of showing dementia symptomsPeople with moderate to severe visual impairment were found to have more chance of showing dementia symptoms (Image: Canva)

What did the research team have to say?

The research team, which is from the University of Michigan, said prioritising the health of your eyes may be "important for optimising cognitive function".

Meanwhile, Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This is a crucial time for dementia research, as evidence builds about how factors such as sight loss are linked to dementia.

"Studies like this are crucial for identifying possible new dementia risk factors and ultimately working out how to potentially prevent some cases of dementia from happening in the first place.”

However, she warned that although the new study tied in with earlier research linking sight loss to dementia, it was not definitive.

The study was observational, so could not establish the reason for the link, meaning vision problems could be a dementia symptom rather than cause.

“It will be important for future studies to find out precisely what is causing this apparent link, as this will determine what, if any, potential there is for prevention,” she added.

She highlighted that "shared neurological pathways that cause both vision loss and cognitive decline" could be a reason.

Additionally, she added that people could make lifestyle changes to protect their brain health, including keeping their hearts healthy and “enjoying new activities and social interactions”.