Fatores associados ao declínio cognitivo em pessoas idosas com glaucoma: uma revisão sistemática

• Ano de defesa: 2025
• Autor(a) principal: Zambon, Marcela Pereira Tinoco
• Orientador(a): Casemiro, Francine Golghetto
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Católica de Brasília
• Programa de Pós-Graduação: Programa Stricto Sensu em Gerontologia
• Departamento: Escola de Saúde e Medicina
• País: Brasil
• Palavras-chave em Português: Envelhecimento; Declínio cognitivo; Glaucoma
• Palavras-chave em Inglês: Aging; Cognitive decline; Glaucoma
• Área do conhecimento CNPq: CNPQ::CIENCIAS DA SAUDE
• Link de acesso: https://bdtd.ucb.br:8443/jspui/handle/tede/3703

Introduction: This research addresses chronic eye diseases, with an emphasis on glaucoma, as it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older individuals (Elderly). Objective: To identify the main outcomes related to cognitive decline (CD) in individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with glaucoma. Method: A systematic review was conducted on etiology and risk factors, following the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute, using the PEO strategy to formulate the research question and the collection of articles from databases through the reading of titles and abstracts of each article identified using the PRISMA strategy. The guiding question was: "What are the factors associated with cognitive decline in elderly individuals with glaucoma?" The systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO platform under the number CRD42024545129. Results and Discussion: Ten articles published between 2017 and 2024 were selected, presenting heterogeneous results, with no significant convergence among them. Of these, four studies indicated a positive association between cognitive decline and glaucoma. Various neuropsychological tests were used, ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of 15 per study. However, in some studies, even with the application of multiple tests, it was not possible to confirm the hypothesis that glaucoma increases the risk of cognitive dysfunction or dementia. The most commonly used tests were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Conclusion: The heterogeneity of findings may be attributed to differences in study designs and the cognitive assessment instruments used. To validate these findings, it is essential to increase sample sizes and standardize research protocols that provide greater reliability in clinical prognosis. Furthermore, the study reinforces the importance of interventions targeting modifiable risk factors for dementia. The implementation of public policies and actions that encourage the adoption of healthy habits can significantly contribute to promoting active aging and preventing cognitive decline in the elderly population. Untreated visual deficits can accelerate cognitive decline. This is due to the fact that vision loss is associated with reduced sensory stimulation, which can affect memory, attention, and spatial orientation. Prevention is also important as it can avoid falls and accidents since impaired vision is one of the main risk factors for falls in the elderly, which can lead to fractures, hospitalizations, and loss of independence, and proper visual correction improves balance and mobility. It is important to emphasize that the integration with primary care with the presence of ophthalmologists in health units facilitates access to specialized care, especially in regions with low coverage, and allows for population screening and timely referrals for treatments or surgeries. Finally, by promoting autonomy and quality of life and maintaining preserved eye health, it contributes to the elderly continuing to perform daily activities independently, reduces social isolation, and improves emotional wellbeing.