Evaluating Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature and Structure Using Multimodal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of advanced retinal and choroidal imaging techniques to better understand neurodegenerative diseases such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and others. This observational study focuses on developing and evaluating biomarkers that reflect changes in the microvasculature and structure of the retina and choroid, which may mirror or precede brain changes in these conditions. The study aims to provide new insights into the vascular and structural changes linked to neurodegeneration and explore their potential as early screening tools. The study uses non-invasive imaging devices including optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography to capture detailed images of the retinal and choroidal microvascular networks. Participants include individuals with various neurodegenerative diseases and controls without such diagnoses. Imaging will assess the structure and function of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature to identify markers of reduced blood flow and tissue changes. Participants will undergo retinal imaging and follow-up evaluations to measure changes over time in several retinal and choroidal features such as ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, choroidal vascularity, and blood flow indices. Data will be collected at baseline and after one year. The study will monitor structural and vascular changes to evaluate potential early indicators of neurodegenerative disease progression and contribute to improved screening methods.

Retinal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease