Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
10:14
Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
Cognitive function, drusen, and age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional study
H Lindekleiv1, M G Erke, G Bertelsen
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
Eye (London, England)
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Drusen deposition and late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are linked to reduced cognitive function, particularly in verbal memory and processing speed. Further research is needed to confirm this association and its clinical implications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
- Drusen, lipid deposits under the retina, are early indicators of AMD.
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional association between drusen, late AMD, and cognitive function.
- To determine if retinal changes correlate with specific cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2149 stroke-free participants in the population-based Tromsø Study.
- Assessed drusen and late AMD presence from retinal photographs.
- Evaluated cognitive function using verbal memory, processing speed, and psychomotor tempo tests.
Main Results:
- Late AMD correlated with poorer verbal memory performance.
- Intermediate and large drusen were associated with decreased processing speed.
- Large drusen increased the likelihood of scoring in the lowest quartile for processing speed and psychomotor tempo.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a link between drusen deposition and diminished cognitive function.
- While varying in strength, the observed relationships indicate a potential connection between retinal health and cognition.
- Residual confounding may exist, but a genuine association between drusen and cognitive decline is plausible.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...