Events
The following are events throughout the community that may be helpful to caregivers, those with dementia, and those interested in making their communities more dementia-friendly. There are both virtual and live events, some hosted by The Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, and many hosted by our friends and partners in the community. We hope you find them helpful!
GWEP GROW Brain Health ECHO Series | Beyond the Eyes: Understanding the Vision-Dementia Intersect
GWEP GROW Brain Health ECHO Series:
Beyond the Eyes: Understanding the Vision-Dementia Intersect
The GWEP Brain Health ECHO Series is a free education program running monthly on the 4th Wednesday, 12:30–1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 through June 24, 2026
Presenters: Donna Barrett, MSW, LSW, Program Manager, Senior Services, Summit County Public Health and Nicole Becher, MAEd, Program Coordinator, Summit County Public Health
Presentation Description
This presentation examines the critical, evidence-based link between vision loss and accelerated cognitive decline, with studies showing that up to 20% of dementia cases may be vision-related. The presentation will focus on the physiological and psychological mechanisms of this intersection and equip professionals with actionable strategies for early detection and intervention to mitigate client risk and encourage a goal to integrate eye health as a modifiable risk factor within broader brain health and aging practices.
Objectives
- Quantify the Link: Summarize the established correlation between vision loss and accelerated cognitive decline, citing the approximate percentage of dementia cases potentially related to vision impairment.
- Explain the Mechanisms: Identify and describe the three primary physiological and psychological ways poor vision impacts the brain (reduced sensory input, increased cognitive load, and structural changes).
- Recognize Neurological Symptoms: List at least three vision-related symptoms that can be early indicators or manifestations of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
- Promote Actionable Strategies: Articulate key preventative and therapeutic strategies, such as regular eye exams and chronic condition management, that professionals can promote to clients to mitigate the risk of vision-related cognitive decline.