Abstract
Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness is reduced in Alzheimer’s patients. However, whether it is associated with early evolution of cognitive function is unknown. Within 427 participants from the Three-City-Alienor longitudinal population-based cohort, we explored the relationship between peripapillary RNFL thicknesses and the evolution of cognitive performance. RNFL was assessed at baseline by spectral domain optical coherence tomography; cognitive performances were assessed at baseline and at 2 years, with the Mini–Mental State Examination, the Isaacs’ set test, and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). Multivariate linear mixed models were performed. The RNFL was not associated with initial cognitive performance. Nevertheless, a thicker RNFL was significantly associated with a better cognitive evolution over time in the free delayed recall (p = 0.0037) and free + cued delayed recall (p = 0.0043) scores of the FCSRT, particularly in the temporal, superotemporal, and inferotemporal segments. No associations were found with other cognitive tests. The RNFL was associated with changes in scores that assess episodic memory. RNFL thickness could reflect a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment over time.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with brain neurodegeneration, in the medial temporal area, which leads to cognitive decline and dementia
Our study aims to explore the relationship between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and the evolution of cognitive function in several cognitive domains measured over a 2-year period in the elderly population
Because glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve that could have common pathophysiological mechanisms with AD, participants with this disease were retained in the study population, and glaucoma was included as a covariate in the analyses [11]
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with brain neurodegeneration, in the medial temporal area, which leads to cognitive decline and dementia. These lesions occur several years before the clinical phase of dementia [1, 2]. RNFL and Evolution of Cognitive Performance nerve This RNFL could enable evaluation of neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD pathology [4]. Our study aims to explore the relationship between peripapillary RNFL thickness measured by SD-OCT and the evolution of cognitive function in several cognitive domains measured over a 2-year period in the elderly population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
