OCTA in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study aims to yield new insight into the vascular
pathophysiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The
investigators propose to develop and evaluate biomarkers using non-invasive optical coherence
tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the structure and function of the retinal
microvasculature in persons with MCI and AD.

The investigators hypothesize that microvascular network alterations in the retina mirror and
possibly precede changes in the cerebral microcirculation seen in MCI and AD. Using advanced
image analysis, the investigators aim to evaluate markers of reduced capillary blood flow and
non-perfusion in the superficial and deep retinal vascular plexuses and choriocapillaris
imaged using OCTA, in a resolution not previously possible, that would complement already
established retinal structural markers and increase their sensitivity and specificity in the
early detection of MCI and AD.

This study looks to provide a proof of concept for OCTA-based retinal microvascular
biomarkers as an effective screening tool in cognitive aging.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients with neurodegenerative disease (MCI and AD)

- Age-gender-race-matched controls.

Exclusion Criteria:

- History of known or suspected diagnosis of non-AD

- Associated dementia

- Diabetes mellitus

- Inability to cooperate with or complete testing

- Evidence of glaucoma

- Macular degeneration

- Other neurologic or age-related ocular conditions that would impact OCTA segmentation.
-Eyes that have had intraocular surgery, other than cataract surgery, will be excluded

- If two eyes satisfy the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study.
If one eye satisfies the inclusion criteria, the eye that qualifies will be included
in the study.