Abstract
BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and patients often have visual disorders. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a memory deficit when compared with those of a similar age and education level which could indicate an earlier onset of AD. The aim of this study is to measure the changes of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of AD and MCI patients in comparison with the normal age controls.MethodsThe RNFL thickness was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with MCI, AD (mild, moderate and severe) and the age matched controls.ResultsThe thickness of RNFL in the superior quadrant and total mean values are gradually and significantly decreased from MCI to severe AD when compared to that in the controls. There is also a significant reduction of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the inferior quadrant in severe AD patients.ConclusionsOur data indicate that the retinal nerve fiber layer degeneration is paralleled with dementia progression. Owing to its non-invasive and cost effective nature, monitoring RNFL thickness may have a value in assessing disease progression and the efficacy of any treatments.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and patients often have visual disorders
The aim of the present study was to determine with a sophisticated optical coherence tomography (OCT) method whether the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is proportionally reduced from Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, mild AD to severe AD patients compared to that in the age-matched healthy controls
There was a significant difference between the normal control group and MCI and mild AD, moderate AD or severe AD respectively in superior quadrant, inferior quadrant and total mean RNFL thickness (p < 0.05) but no significant difference in nasal and temporal quadrant (p > 0.05)
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and patients often have visual disorders. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a memory deficit when compared with those of a similar age and education level which could indicate an earlier onset of AD. The aim of this study is to measure the changes of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of AD and MCI patients in comparison with the normal age controls. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by cognitive deficits including progressive memory disturbances, aphasia, apraxia and agnosia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as impairment in cognitive functions with otherwise normal performance of activities of daily life [3]. MCI is a broad term that encompasses several subtypes of cognitive dysfunction.
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