Open AccessThe application of retinal fundus camera imaging in dementia: A systematic review
Author(s) -
McGrory Sarah,
Cameron James R.,
Pellegrini Enrico,
Warren Claire,
Doubal Fergus N.,
Deary Ian J.,
Dhillon Baljean,
Wardlaw Joanna M.,
Trucco Emanuele,
MacGillivray Thomas J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2016.11.001
Subject(s) - dementia , fundus (uterus) , retinal , medicine , ophthalmology , macular degeneration , retina , diabetic retinopathy , neuroscience , disease , pathology , psychology , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology
The ease of imaging the retinal vasculature, and the evolving evidence suggesting this microvascular bed might reflect the cerebral microvasculature, presents an opportunity to investigate cerebrovascular disease and the contribution of microvascular disease to dementia with fundus camera imaging. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis was carried out to assess the measurement of retinal properties in dementia using fundus imaging. Results Ten studies assessing retinal properties in dementia were included. Quantitative measurement revealed significant yet inconsistent pathologic changes in vessel caliber, tortuosity, and fractal dimension. Retinopathy was more prevalent in dementia. No association of age‐related macular degeneration with dementia was reported. Discussion Inconsistent findings across studies provide tentative support for the application of fundus camera imaging as a means of identifying changes associated with dementia. The potential of fundus image analysis in differentiating between dementia subtypes should be investigated using larger well‐characterized samples. Future work should focus on refining and standardizing methods and measurements.