Premium
Longitudinal retinal layer changes in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Author(s) -
Kreeke Jacoba A.,
Nguyen Hoang Ton,
Konijnenberg Elles,
Tomassen Jori,
Braber Anouk,
Kate Mara,
Yaqub Maqsood,
Berckel Bart,
Lammertsma Adriaan A.,
Boomsma Dorret I.,
Tan H. Stevie,
Visser Pieter Jelle,
Verbraak Frank D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/aos.14640
Subject(s) - retinal , optical coherence tomography , ophthalmology , medicine , inner plexiform layer , nerve fiber layer , positron emission tomography , neuroscience , psychology , nuclear medicine
Purpose Several studies found reduced retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), even in preclinical stages, labelling this technique of interest as biomarker. In this study, we examine retinal thickness changes in preclinical AD, as defined by cognitively normal individuals with amyloid‐beta (Aβ) on positron emission tomography (PET). Methods For this monocentre study, 145 cognitively healthy monozygotic twins aged ≥ 60 were included from the Netherlands Twin Register taking part in the EMIF‐AD PreclinAD study. At baseline, participants underwent [ 18 F] flutemetamol PET that was visually rated for cortical Aβ. Binding potential was calculated as continuous measure for Aβ. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at baseline and after 22 months to assess changes in total and individual inner retinal layer thickness in the macular region (ETDRS circles) and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Differences in rate of change between amyloid‐beta positive and negative individuals and associations between binding potential and change in retinal thickness were evaluated. Results Sixteen participants (11%) were positive for Aβ. Change in retinal thickness did not differ in any region between Aβ+ and Aβ− individuals. A positive association between binding potential and change in inner plexiform layer thickness was observed in the inner macular ring (beta = 1.708, CI = 0.575 to 2.841, p = 0.003). Conclusion Aβ+ individuals did not differ in rate of change of any retinal layer compared to controls, but higher binding potential at baseline was associated with less IPL thinning over time. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a longitudinal screening tool for preclinical AD seems limited, but IPL changes offer leads for further research.