Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring (Jan 2018)

Retinal oxygen metabolism in patients with mild cognitive impairment

  • Olof Birna Olafsdottir,
  • Hrafnhildur Sif Saevarsdottir,
  • Sveinn Hakon Hardarson,
  • Kristin Hanna Hannesdottir,
  • Valgerdur Dora Traustadottir,
  • Robert Arnar Karlsson,
  • Anna Bryndis Einarsdottir,
  • Katrin Dilja Jonsdottir,
  • Einar Stefansson,
  • Jon Snaedal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadm.2018.03.002
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 340 – 345

Abstract

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Abstract Introduction We have previously reported that retinal vessel oxygen saturation is increased in mild‐to‐moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type when compared with healthy individuals. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the predementia stage of the disease. The main purpose was to investigate if these changes are seen in MCI. Methods Retinal vessel oxygen saturation was measured in 42 patients with MCI and 42 healthy individuals with a noninvasive retinal oximeter, Oxymap T1. The groups were paired according to age. Results Arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation was increased in MCI patients compared to healthy individuals (arterioles: 93.1 ± 3.7% vs. 91.1 ± 3.4%, P = .01; venules: 59.6 ± 6.1% vs. 54.9 ± 6.4%, P = .001). Arteriovenous difference was decreased in MCI compared to healthy individuals (33.5 ± 4.5% vs. 36.2 ± 5.2%, P = .01). Discussion Increased retinal vessel oxygen saturation and decreased arteriovenous difference in MCI could reflect less oxygen extraction by retinal tissue. This indicates that retinal oxygen metabolism may be affected in patients with MCI.

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