Association between cognitive function and large optic nerve cupping, accounting for cup-disc-ratio genetic risk...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• Large cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) is a risk factor for glaucoma.
• Cognitive function can be influenced by various physiological factors.
• Genetic predisposition may play a role in ocular and cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) genetic risk score (GRS) modifies the association between large CDR and cognitive function in women.
• To explore the relationship between CDR GRS, CDR status, and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative.
• Exclusion of participants with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• Calculation of CDR GRS using 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
• Assessment of cognitive function using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE).
• Logistic and linear regression analyses to evaluate associations between GRS, CDR, and 3MSE scores.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between CDR GRS and large CDR (p=0.011).
• Women with large CDR had significantly lower 3MSE scores (mean difference of 0.84, p=0.007), even after accounting for GRS.
• The mean GRS was higher in women with large CDR compared to those without (p=0.004).

Conclusions:

• Large CDR is independently associated with lower cognitive function in women.
• The CDR GRS did not modify the negative association between large CDR and cognitive function.
• Findings suggest that large CDR is a significant indicator of reduced cognitive function, irrespective of genetic risk.