Choroidal thinning: Alzheimer's disease and aging

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex pathogenesis.
• Macular choroidal thickness (CT) is a potential indicator of ocular and systemic health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and compare macular choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• To compare CT between mild AD patients, non-AD patients, and elderly individuals without AD.

Main Methods:

• Manual measurement of CT at 13 distinct locations around the fovea.
• Utilized linear regression models for data analysis to compare groups.

Main Results:

• Fifty mild AD patients, 152 non-AD patients, and 50 elderly controls were analyzed.
• Significantly thinner CT was observed in all 13 locations for AD patients compared to age-matched controls (P < .001).
• More pronounced CT reduction was noted in two temporal locations when comparing AD patients to the elderly group.

Conclusions:

• Patients with AD demonstrate significant choroidal thinning, even when compared to elderly subjects.
• Reduced CT may serve as a diagnostic aid for Alzheimer's disease.
• The findings underscore the potential role of vascular factors in AD pathogenesis.