Correlation between cognitive impairment and retinal neural loss assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography in patients with mild cognitive impairment

Introduction We compared peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness measurements in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and control subjects using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). We also assessed the relationship between SS-OCT measurements and the severity of cognitive impairment. Methods Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness were measured in 23 patients and 24 control subjects using SS-OCT. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Pfeffer Questionnaire. Results Most inner retinal layer thickness parameters were significantly smaller in patients with MCI, especially macular ganglion cell complex thickness measurements. Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment findings were significantly correlated with most macular thickness parameters. Discussion The SS-OCT–measured inner retinal layers of patients with MCI displayed thinning, especially in the central macular area. SS-OCT technology can provide useful information on ocular involvement patterns and holds promise as an ocular biomarker in this patient population.
Highlights • Inner retinal layer thickness was reduced in patients with mild cognitive impairment. • Macular ganglion cell layer complex was the most affected retinal layer. • Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was not significantly reduced. • Cognitive tests significantly correlated with macular parameters.