A new study published in Ophthalmology suggests that glaucoma may be linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that people with glaucoma had a 23% higher risk of dementia compared to those without the condition. The risk was elevated for both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, two of the most common forms. This finding highlights the importance of regular monitoring, not only for eye health but also for overall brain health.*

What the Researchers Did

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine analyzed data from 9,444 people with glaucoma and compared them with 37,776 people without glaucoma. Participants were matched by age, sex, race, and ethnicity to ensure fair comparisons.

• People who already had dementia before being diagnosed with glaucoma were excluded.
• The study looked at different glaucoma types, including primary open-angle, normal-tension, and angle-closure glaucoma.
• Genetic data was included by looking at APOE genotypes, the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Participants were followed for a median of 6.5 years.

By combining clinical data and genetic information, the researchers were able to see how glaucoma and genetic risk factors might interact to affect dementia risk.

What They Found

Compared with people without glaucoma, those with glaucoma had:

• 23% higher risk of all-cause dementia
• 60% higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• 38% higher risk of vascular dementia

When broken down by glaucoma type:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma were strongly linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Angle-closure glaucoma was associated with an increased risk of dementia overall.

When looking at genetics, the biggest increases in dementia risk were seen in people with the APOE ε2/ε3, ε3/ε3, and ε3/ε4 genotypes.

In short, regardless of glaucoma type or genetic background, the study found a consistent link between glaucoma and higher dementia risk.

What It Means

This study suggests that glaucoma may be more than an eye disease; it could also be a marker for higher risk of dementia. While this does not mean everyone with glaucoma will develop dementia, it underscores the importance of:

• Regular eye exams: Monitoring glaucoma closely may also help protect long-term brain health.
• Talking to your doctor: If you have glaucoma, ask about your dementia risk and whether lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, blood pressure control) can help lower it.
• Staying proactive: Managing other health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease may reduce overall dementia risk.

The study has some limitations, including the reliance on self-reported healthcare access and relatively short follow-up time. Still, it supports earlier research showing a connection between eye health and brain health.

For people living with glaucoma, this research is a reminder that protecting your vision goes hand-in-hand with protecting your mind.

*ScienceDirect—Ophthalmology (September 15, 2025). “The association between glaucoma and dementia in a national cohort of All of Us participants” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161642025005640

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