Dynamic retinal vessel analysis in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

AbstractVascular risk factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Retinal vessels are similar to cerebral vessels in their structure and function. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis is usually defined as non‐invasive clinical observation of the reaction of retinal vessels to a physiological stimulus. The data which is thus generated may be further analysed with respect to dynamic time‐dependent and spatial vessel behaviour. We apply this principle of integrated analysis of pathologic dynamic retinal vessel behaviour in order to reveal microvascular alterations in the retina in Alzheimer's disease dementia. Four different aspects of dynamic retinal vessel behaviour were evaluated: together with the assessment of retinal vessel reaction to flickering light unstimulated vessel wall behaviour and pulse wave propagation were assessed using mathematical signal analysis. Additionally differences in amplitude and frequency of spatial vessel diameter changes along the measured vessel segments were analysed to assess the microstructure of retinal vascular blood columns. Significant differences in several structural and functional parameters of retinal vessels in Alzheimer's disease dementia were found. The results might indicate alterations in neuro‐vascular coupling, vascular endothelial function, smooth musculature and retinal vessel wall rigidity in this disease, leading to altered perfusion and vascular regulation following metabolic demand in the central microcirculation.