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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Retinal Vascular Changes in Alzheimer's Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study Using Ultra-Widefield
Emma Pead1, Atalie C Thompson2, Dilraj S Grewal2
1VAMPIRE Project, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Purpose:
Retinal microvascular abnormalities measured on retinal images are a potential source of prognostic biomarkers of vascular changes in the neurodegenerating brain. We assessed the presence of these abnormalities in Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal imaging.
Methods:
UWF images from 103 participants (28 with Alzheimer's dementia, 30 with MCI, and 45 with normal cognition) underwent analysis to quantify measures of retinal vascular branching complexity, width, and tortuosity.
Results:
Participants with Alzheimer's dementia displayed increased vessel branching in the midperipheral retina and increased arteriolar thinning. Participants with MCI displayed increased rates of arteriolar and venular thinning and a trend for decreased vessel branching.
Conclusions:
Statistically significant differences in the retinal vasculature in peripheral regions of the retina were observed among the distinct cognitive stages. However, larger studies are required to establish the clinical importance of our findings. UWF imaging may be a promising modality to assess a larger view of the retinal vasculature to uncover retinal changes in Alzheimer's disease.
Translational Relevance:
This pilot work reports an investigation into which retinal vasculature measurements may be useful surrogate measures of cognitive decline, as well as technical developments (e.g., measurement standardization), that are first required to establish their recommended use and translational potential.
Insights
Retinal imaging reveals vascular changes linked to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show distinct patterns of retinal microvascular abnormalities, suggesting potential biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Retinal microvascular abnormalities may serve as prognostic biomarkers for neurodegenerative conditions.
- Ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal imaging offers a comprehensive view of the retinal vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess retinal microvascular abnormalities in Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- To investigate the potential of retinal imaging as a biomarker for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of UWF retinal images from 103 participants (Alzheimer's dementia, MCI, normal cognition).
- Quantification of retinal vascular branching complexity, width, and tortuosity.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's dementia group showed increased peripheral vessel branching and arteriolar thinning.
- MCI group exhibited increased arteriolar/venular thinning and a trend for decreased branching.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in peripheral retinal vasculature correlate with cognitive stages.
- UWF imaging is a promising tool for detecting retinal changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Larger studies are needed to confirm clinical significance and translational potential.
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