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Updated: May 8, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 7, 2017
Association Between Dementia and Optical Coherence Tomography Scan Quality.
Reuben Jyong Kiat Foo1,2,3, Damon Wong1,2,3, Nur Fidyana Binte Abdul Gani1
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
Aging and Disease
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Dementia significantly impacts optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan quality, with patients nearly three times more likely to produce poor scans. Cognitive decline independently predicts lower OCT image quality, necessitating improved imaging strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dementia is often presumed to degrade optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan quality.
- The extent of this impact and its independence from other factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between cognitive impairment and OCT scan quality.
- To adjust for key confounders in a multiethnic cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 541 participants (≥50 years) from memory clinics and the community.
- Participants stratified into no cognitive impairment (NCI), cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND), and dementia groups.
- OCT scan quality assessed for artifacts; cognitive function evaluated using MMSE, MoCA, and CDR scores.
Main Results:
- Dementia patients were nearly three times more likely to have poor-quality OCT scans (adjusted OR=2.90).
- Lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were associated with poor scan quality.
- Higher Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores independently predicted poor OCT scan quality (OR=2.11).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairment, especially dementia, significantly increases the likelihood of poor OCT scan quality.
- This association persists even after accounting for demographic and clinical factors.
- Tailored strategies are needed to improve OCT imaging in individuals with cognitive impairment for better diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
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