Retinal microvascular abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review
- Jie Ding (j.ding-2{at}sms.ed.ac.uk),
- Niall Patton (niallpatton{at}hotmail.com),
- Ian J Deary (ian.deary{at}ed.ac.uk),
- Mark W J Strachan (mark.strachan{at}luht.scot.nhs.uk),
- Gerald R Fowkes (gerry.fowkes{at}ed.ac.uk),
- Rory J Mitchell (r.j.mitchell{at}ed.ac.uk),
- Jacqueline F Price (j.price{at}ed.ac.uk)
- Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
- Western General Hospital, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
- Published Online First 9 July 2008
Abstract
Objective: To examine the evidence for an association between cognitive impairment or dementia and the presence of retinal microvascular abnormalities.
Methods: A systematic review of observational studies identified through searching 5 electronic databases and reference lists. Studies were required to have both a recognized cognitive function assessment (either structured neuropsychological test or clinical evaluation of dementia), and assessment of the retinal microvasculature (either characteristics associated with generalized retinopathy or changes specific to arterioles or venules).
Results: 6 studies were included. Studies were clinically and methodologically heterogeneous and of variable quality. Some degree of cognitive impairment was found to be associated with the presence of retinal microvascular abnormalities in all studies, although the extent of the association varied. The presence of retinal vascular signs was mostly associated with poorer verbal memory, mental speed and executive function in the general population, but not consistently associated with other cognitive modalities.
Conclusions: There is some evidence suggesting a positive association between retinal microvascular abnormalities and cognitive impairment or dementia in elderly people and in patients with diabetes. Findings are inconclusive and further better designed studies are required, with standardized and objective retinal vascular assessment and a range of sensitive cognitive tests.
