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Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measures and Cognitive Function in the EPIC-Norfolk Cohort Study

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Fiona MatthewsORCiD, Professor Carol Brayne

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Abstract

Purpose: We examined the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and cognitive function in a population of older British adults.Methods: Participants of the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk cohort study underwent ophthalmic and cognitive assessment. Measurements of RNFL thickness were made using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT). Cognitive testing included a short form of the Mini-Mental State Examination (SF-MMSE), an animal naming task, a letter cancellation task, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), the National Adult Reading Test (NART), and the Paired Associates Learning Test. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess associations of RNFL thickness with cognitive test scores, adjusted for age, sex, education level, social class, visual acuity, axial length, and history of cataract surgery.Results: Data were available from 5563 participants with a mean age of 67 years. A thicker HRT-derived RNFL thickness was associated with better scores for the SF-MMSE (0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], [0.02, 0.10], P = 0.005), HVLT (0.16, 95% CI [0.03, 0.29]; P = 0.014), and NART (−0.24, 95% CI [−0.46, −0.02], P = 0.035). The associations of RNFL thickness with SF-MMSE and HVLT remained significant following further adjustment for NART.Conclusions: We found a significant association between HRT-derived RNFL thickness and scores from cognitive tests assessing global function, recognition, learning, episodic memory, and premorbid intelligence. However, the associations were weak and not currently of predictive value. Further research is required to confirm and clarify the nature of these associations, and identify biological mechanisms.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Khawaja AP, Chan MP, Yip JL, Broadway DC, Garway-Heath DF, Luben R, Hayat S, Matthews FE, Brayne C, Khaw KT, Foster PJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Year: 2016

Volume: 57

Issue: 4

Pages: 1921-1926

Online publication date: 01/04/2016

Acceptance date: 17/03/2016

Date deposited: 05/09/2016

ISSN (electronic): 1552-5783

Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.16-19067

DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19067

PubMed id: 27092718

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