Visual Sensitivity in Dementia
People with dementia often struggle with how they see and process the world around them. This issue, called visual sensitivity, means their eyes and brain do not work together as smoothly as before. Bright lights, shiny floors, or busy patterns can overwhelm them and cause confusion or distress.
In many types of dementia, changes in the brain affect vision early on. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form, eye movements become slow and unsteady. Patients take longer to shift their gaze, have trouble tracking moving objects, and cannot hold their focus steady. These problems come from damage to brain areas that control seeing and paying attention.
A rarer type called posterior cortical atrophy hits the back of the brain hardest. This part handles what we see. People with it become extra sensitive to bright lights or shiny surfaces. They might not recognize faces or objects they know well. Low light makes things worse, and they could see still objects as moving or have double vision. Judging distances or speeds also gets hard.
These visual troubles are not just about weak eyes. The brain’s wiring breaks down, making everyday sights feel too much. A room with glare from windows or patterned carpets can make someone with dementia anxious or lost. They might bump into things or avoid places that feel too stimulating.
Experts notice these signs through simple eye tests. Tracking eye movements or checking how someone fixes on a point can spot issues before other symptoms show. Thinning in the eye’s retina has also linked to Alzheimer’s in studies of those who passed away from it.
Caregivers can help by keeping spaces calm. Use soft lighting without harsh glare. Pick plain colors and textures over busy ones. Matte finishes on floors and walls cut reflections. Big, clear signs with simple words guide better than small print.
Understanding visual sensitivity helps families support loved ones better. Simple changes make the world less confusing and safer.
Sources
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ophthalmology/articles/10.3389/fopht.2025.1754941/full
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12745221/
https://www.alzscot.org/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/rarer-forms-of-dementia/
https://innerself.com/articles/living/health/diseases-and-conditions/17728-this-simple-eye-exam-may-detect-alzheimer-s-disease-early.html
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/one-sign-in-your-eyes-could-signal-dementia-later-in-life-warn-experts/articleshow/126278741.cms
https://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/The-unexpected-facial-feature-that-could-indicate-dementia-risk/
