Cognitive dysfunction and the 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire

INTRODUCTION: Visual function and cognitive impairment are interrelated; however, little is known about the impact of modifying treatable vision impairment on the development of cognitive dysfunction. This study examines the relationship between cognition and self‐reported visual function using the National Eye Institute's Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ). METHODS: Participants completed the NEI VFQ 25‐Item questionnaire as well as the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Additionally, all participants were assigned a consensus clinical diagnosis based on established criteria. We used a general linear model and analysis of variance approach to compare means between multiple groups. RESULTS: A significant association between overall composite score on the NEI VFQ and total MMSE score was revealed (P = 0.04). On average, for every 1‐point increase in MMSE score, the overall composite score increased by 0.40 units (95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.77). DISCUSSION: Reduced visual function should raise concerns about cognitive decline and prompt additional assessment.