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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Retinal vascular fractal dimension is associated with cognitive dysfunction.
Carol Yim-lui Cheung1, ShinYeu Ong2, M Kamran Ikram3
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
Summary
Reduced retinal vascular fractal dimension (Df) is linked to cognitive dysfunction in older adults. This suggests retinal vascular changes may indicate brain health decline, impacting cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Fractal analysis quantifies retinal vascular complexity.
- Cognitive dysfunction is a growing concern in aging populations.
- Retinal vasculature may reflect cerebral microvascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between retinal vascular fractal dimension (Df) and cognitive dysfunction.
- To explore other retinal vascular parameters in relation to cognitive function.
- To examine this relationship in an older Asian population.
Main Methods:
- Retinal photographs from the Singapore Malay Eye Study were analyzed.
- Retinal vascular fractal dimension (Df), branching angle, tortuosity, and caliber were measured.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT).
Main Results:
- Decreased retinal vascular Df was significantly associated with lower AMT scores (P = .019).
- Lower Df values increased the likelihood of cognitive dysfunction (OR, 1.71).
- The association was notable in participants with hypertension and smokers.
Conclusions:
- Reduced retinal vascular Df is linked to cognitive dysfunction in older adults.
- Retinal vascular rarefaction may mirror cerebral microvascular changes contributing to cognitive decline.
