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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
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Retinal vessel diameter reflects altered resting-state fMRI connectivity and cognitive performance: A community-based
Yan Min1, Chang Liu2, Yanli Zhang1,3
1Department of Neurology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Geroscience
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Fundus microvascular changes, like wider retinal veins, are linked to reduced brain connectivity and poorer cognitive function in older adults. These eye characteristics may indicate brain health changes and cognitive decline risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment and vascular events are significant health concerns in aging populations.
- Brain functional connectivity (FC) alterations are associated with cognitive decline.
- Fundus microvasculature offers a window into vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fundus microvascular characteristics and brain nodal local efficiency (Nle) in a community cohort.
- To explore the association of these factors with cognitive performance.
- To identify potential non-invasive biomarkers for cognitive dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 1532 participants from the PRECISE study underwent cognitive assessment (MoCA-Beijing) and resting-state fMRI for Nle.
- Fundus photography measured microvascular indices: central retinal arterial equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and arteriovenous ratio (AVR).
- Correlation analyses examined links between fundus microvasculature, Nle, and cognitive scores.
Main Results:
- A wider CRVE was significantly associated with poorer naming scores.
- Specific brain regions (e.g., orbital gyrus, temporal gyrus, hippocampus) showed correlations between fundus microvasculature and brain FC.
- Fundus microvascular characteristics were correlated with brain FC indicators relevant to cognition.
Conclusions:
- Fundus microvascular characteristics are linked to brain functional connectivity and cognitive performance.
- These eye-based measures may serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for detecting brain functional alterations.
- Findings highlight the connection between vascular health in the eye and brain health, particularly in elderly populations.
Keywords:
Cognitive functionFunctional connectivityFundus microvascular characteristicsResting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI)
