Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Macular Microvascular Density as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease
Xin Wang1, Yaqin Wang2, Hui Liu1
1Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Background:
Some previous studies showed abnormal pathological and vascular changes in the retina of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether retinal microvascular density is a diagnostic indicator for AD remains unclear.
Objective:
This study evaluated the macular vessel density (m-VD) in the superficial capillary plexus and fovea avascular zone (FAZ) area in AD, explored their correlations with clinical parameters, and finally confirmed an optimal machine learning model for AD diagnosis.
Methods:
77 patients with AD and 145 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The m-VD and the FAZ area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in all participants. Additionally, AD underwent neuropsychological assessment, brain magnetic resonance imaging scan, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker detection, and APOE ɛ4 genotyping. Finally, the performance of machine learning algorithms based on the OCTA measurements was evaluated by Python programming language.
Results:
The m-VD was noticeably decreased in AD compared with HCs. Moreover, m-VD in the fovea, superior inner, inferior inner, nasal inner subfields, and the whole inner ring declined significantly in mild AD, while it was more serious in moderate/severe AD. However, no significant difference in the FAZ was noted between AD and HCs. Furthermore, we found that m-VD exhibited a significant correlation with cognitive function, medial temporal atrophy and Fazekas scores, and APOE ɛ4 genotypes. No significant correlations were observed between m-VD and CSF biomarkers. Furthermore, results revealed the Adaptive boosting algorithm exhibited the best diagnostic performance for AD.
Conclusion:
Macular vascular density could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for AD.
Insights
Macular vascular density (m-VD) is reduced in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, showing potential as a diagnostic biomarker. This study confirms m-VD
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Previous research indicates retinal pathological and vascular changes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients.
- The diagnostic utility of retinal microvascular density for AD remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate macular vessel density (m-VD) and fovea avascular zone (FAZ) in AD patients.
- To explore correlations between m-VD and clinical parameters in AD.
- To identify an optimal machine learning model for AD diagnosis using OCTA measurements.
Main Methods:
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure m-VD and FAZ in 77 AD patients and 145 healthy controls (HCs).
- AD patients underwent neuropsychological assessments, MRI, CSF biomarker analysis, and APOE ɛ4 genotyping.
- Machine learning algorithms were evaluated using Python for AD diagnosis based on OCTA data.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in m-VD was observed in AD patients compared to HCs.
- Reduced m-VD was noted in various subfields and the inner ring, worsening with AD severity.
- No significant difference in FAZ was found between AD and HCs; m-VD correlated with cognitive function, atrophy scores, and APOE ɛ4 status.
- The Adaptive Boosting algorithm demonstrated the best diagnostic performance for AD.
Conclusions:
- Macular vascular density can potentially serve as a diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease.
- OCTA-derived m-VD, analyzed with machine learning, offers a promising approach for AD detection.
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