Imagine if your eyes could provide clues about your brain health! A recent study investigated the link between retinal vessel changes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), researchers compared vessel density (VD) and blood perfusion density (PD) of the macula in AD patients, MCI patients, and healthy controls. They found that patients with AD had significantly lower VD and PD in several regions compared to the control group. Similar findings were observed in the MCI group as well. Interestingly, these vascular parameters correlated with cognitive function, suggesting that retinal VD and PD could serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing AD and MCI. This exciting research opens up new possibilities for early detection and monitoring of these cognitive disorders. To learn more about this study, check out the article!
BackgroundThe involvement of retina and its vasculature has been recently described in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is noninvasively used to assess the retinal blood flow.ObjectiveThis study was to compare vessel density (VD) and blood perfusion density (PD) of the macular in AD patients, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and healthy controls by OCTA, which may provide new ideas for diagnosis of AD or MCI.MethodsAD patients, MCI patients and healthy controls underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic and neurological evaluations, including cognitive function assessments as well as visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examinations, and OCTA. General demographic data, cognitive function, retinal VD and PD were compared among three groups. The correlations among retinal VD, PD and cognitive function, amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) protein were further evaluated. The correlations between retinal superficial capillary plexus and cognitive function, Aβ protein and p-Tau protein were also explored.ResultsA total of 139 participants were recruited into this study, including 43 AD patients, 62 MCI patients, and 34 healthy controls. After adjusting for sex, age, history of smoking, history of alcohol intake, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, best corrected visual acuity, and IOP, VD and PD in the nasal and inferior regions of the inner ring, superior and inferior regions of outer ring in the AD group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). PD in nasal region of outer ring also significantly decreased in the AD group. VD and PD in superior and inferior regions of inner ring, superior and temporal regions of outer ring in the MCI group were markedly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for sex and age, VD and PD were correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic score, Mini-mental State Examination score, visuospatial function and executive function (p < 0.05), while Aβ protein and p-Tau protein had no relationship with VD and PD.ConclusionOur findings suggest that superficial retinal VD and PD in macula may be potential non-invasive biomarkers for AD and MCI, and these vascular parameters correlate with cognitive function.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.