For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Clinical implications of using cataract surgery to avoid dementia
Clinical implications of using cataract surgery to avoid dementia

Dementia is a rising concern in our ageing population. Ophthalmologist Francesc March reviews recent evidence highlighting the potential of cataract surgery in enhancing vision and reducing the risk of dementia in older adults
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet 2020;396(10248):413–46
2. Lee CS, Gibbons LE, Lee AY, et al. Association between cataract extraction and development of dementia. JAMA Intern Med 2022;182(2):134–41.
3. March de Ribot F, de Ribot AM, Walker X, et al. Dementia and cataract surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Australas J Ageing 2023;42(3):450–54.