Retinal Findings in Alzheimer’s Patients- Case Study

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause degeneration of the retina and optic nerve and result in amyloid beta depositions. Tracking down ophthalmic changes in the retina can hence be used to assess the neurodegenerative changes that occur in AD.

Aim: To demonstrate early changes in the retina in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Methodology: 50 patients with Alzheimer’s disease were included in this study. All the patients underwent Fundus auto fluorescence (FAF) and optical scanning tomography (OCT). Drusen-like deposits of various sizes were seen in the retina.

Results: On analysing the macular layers with the help of OCT, it showed that there was a significant thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer, ganglion cell layer and outer plexiform layer in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Significant superonasal and inferotemporal peripapillary thinning was also observed in certain patients.

Conclusion: This study was done to emphasize the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease so that the progression of the disease can be slowed down. Middle-aged patients who have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments can undergo retinal examination, which is an easy, cheap, and non invasive procedure for early diagnosis and prevention.