Integrated analysis of in vivo retinal perivascular amyloid imaging and cognition.

INTRODUCTION

Given the close interactions between the retina and the brain, retinal amyloid imaging may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This retrospective study investigated multivariable associations between retinal perivascular amyloid and cognitive domains.

METHODS

Integrated analysis of retinal perivascular amyloid imaging, neuropsychological assessment, and brain magnetic resonance imaging in adults with and without cognitive impairment (N = 26; mean age: 65 ± 7 years; 50% female). Correlations between perivascular amyloid plaque burden and cognitive domains were evaluated with linear regression and interactions with hippocampal volumetry were explored.

RESULTS

Higher perivascular and periarteriolar amyloid plaque count in the secondary small and tertiary branches were associated with poorer verbal and visual memory in this cohort (p = 0.005-0.009). Higher perivascular amyloid burden interacted with hippocampal atrophy to worsen visual memory (p = 0.033).

DISCUSSION: Retinal perivascular amyloid may serve as a non-invasive marker for cognitive impairment and may shed insight into pathological changes in the brain.

HIGHLIGHTS: In vivo retinal perivascular amyloid plaque counts are associated with poorer memory. Retinal perivascular amyloid interacted with hippocampal atrophy to worsen memory. Retinal amyloid imaging is a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases.