CONTRAST SENSITIVITY AND VISUAL ACUITY IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER|S DISEASE

Alzheimer|s disease is a disorder which is typi_ed by a deterioration in cognition and a range of behavioural problems which result in a loss of functional ability and often necessitate transfer to residential care [ This article looks at a growing body of research which is revealing the presence of changes in vision \ particularly contrast sensitivity and acuity [ We discuss the possible pathological basis for such de_cits \ and examine the possibility that such changes in vision may impact on the behavioural and functional outcomes of the demented individual [ Copyright 1999 John Wiley + Sons \ Ltd[ KEY WORDS*dementia ^ contrast sensitivity ^ visual acuity ^ cognitive performance ^ activities of daily living ^ psychosi