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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
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Morphometric Analyses of Retinal Sections
Published on: February 19, 2012
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Cognitive function correlates with retinal structural and vascular imaging parameters in Chinese older adults
Manqiao Wang1, Limei Chen1, Yi Gong1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease Eye Institute and School of Optometry Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital Tianjin China.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|July 24, 2025
Summary
Cognitive impairment in older adults is linked to thinner retinas and choroids. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT/OCTA) shows potential for early cognitive disorder screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment (CI) is a growing public health concern in aging populations.
- Early detection of CI is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Non-invasive biomarkers for cognitive health are actively being sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive status and retinal parameters in older adults.
- To explore the utility of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT/OCTA) in assessing cognitive health.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study (Beichen Eye Study) involving 3606 older adults from Tianjin, China.
- Retinal thickness and vessel density (VD) were measured using OCT/OCTA.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Main Results:
- Cognitive impairment was present in 32.7% of participants.
- Individuals with CI showed reduced average retinal thickness (p=0.007) and choroid thickness (p<0.001) compared to those without CI.
- A positive correlation was observed between MMSE scores and retinal parameters (r=0.518 to 0.530).
Conclusions:
- Retinal and choroidal thinning are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in older adults.
- OCT/OCTA may serve as a non-invasive tool for early screening of cognitive disorders.
- Management of vascular risk factors could benefit both retinal and cognitive health.
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