Brain Atrophy & AMD
John R Martinelli MD OD FAAO
Teaching The Fine Art of Patient Management
Could this be a new biomarker?...
An article published in the?American Journal of Ophthalmology last week reveals a significant association between?outer retinal thinning and brain atrophy in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This correlation, particularly strong in vision-related brain regions, offers new insights into the complex interplay between ocular and neurological health.
The study, focusing on adults aged 70 and older, demonstrates that thinning of the outer retina corresponds with atrophy in?occipital regions, reduced hippocampal volume, and changes in brain areas typically affected early in dementia. Notably, the strength of this association suggests potential diagnostic implications, as retinal changes may serve as early indicators of cognitive decline.?The progression rate of these parallel degenerative processes remains a critical area for further investigation, potentially offering a window into the development of both AMD and neurodegenerative disorders.
For us, these findings underscore the importance of comprehensive retinal examinations in elderly patients, not only for ocular health assessment but also as a possible screening tool for early signs of cognitive impairment.
This research opens new avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmic medicine and neurology, potentially leading to earlier interventions and improved patient outcomes.
-JRM
Go to the article in AJO:
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