Researchers continue to explore the connection between eye health and brain health. A new study suggests that people with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) may have a slightly higher risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a specific form of dementia that occurs before 65 years of age.

While the findings do not mean glaucoma causes Alzheimer’s, they highlight another reason why monitoring overall health, including cognitive changes, may be important for people living with glaucoma.*

What the Study Found

The study analyzed health data from a large Japanese medical claims database covering the years 2006 to 2022. Researchers looked at adults aged 40 to 64 years and compared more than 2,000 people diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with over 9,300 people without Alzheimer’s.

Key findings included:

• 16% of people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease had open-angle glaucoma, compared with 12.5% of those without Alzheimer’s.
• People with glaucoma had about a 22% higher risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
• The association was significant in men, but not in women.

Researchers also identified several other factors linked with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in the study population, including:

• Depression
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

Why Might Glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Be Connected?

Scientists have long suspected that glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease may share some underlying biological pathways.

Both conditions involve damage to nerve cells and may be influenced by factors such as:

• Reduced blood flow to sensitive tissues
• Inflammation
• Age-related degeneration of nerve cells
• Changes in how the brain and eye process and clear cellular waste

Because the optic nerve connects the eye to the brain, glaucoma is sometimes described as a neurodegenerative disease, similar in some ways to conditions like Alzheimer’s.

However, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to understand whether these conditions share causes or simply occur together more often.

What This Means for People Living With Glaucoma

For patients, the takeaway is not alarm—but awareness.

Glaucoma remains primarily a disease affecting the optic nerve and vision, and the most important step in protecting vision is consistent treatment and regular eye exams.

That said, the researchers suggest that people with glaucoma, especially middle-aged adults, may benefit from paying attention to changes in memory, thinking, or behavior and discussing them with their healthcare providers.

Early recognition of cognitive symptoms can help doctors evaluate possible causes and begin appropriate treatments sooner if needed.

The Bottom Line

This study adds to growing evidence that eye health and brain health may be closely connected. While the identified risk was relatively modest, it underscores the importance of a whole-person approach to health when managing chronic conditions like glaucoma.

Regular eye care, good management of blood pressure and diabetes, and staying attentive to cognitive health can all play a role in supporting long-term well-being.

*Medscape. (January 12, 2026). “Open-Angle Glaucoma Tied to Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease”. medscape.com

Medically reviewed by Alan Robin, MD. Dr. Robin is a leading glaucoma specialist and researcher. He serves as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University and has contributed extensively to the development of modern glaucoma treatments. Dr. Robin has authored more than 260 peer-reviewed publications and is widely recognized for his impact on patient care and global eye health.

The information provided by The Glaucoma Community is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or care. The Glaucoma Community does not endorse specific treatments, providers, or products.