Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex in Alzheimer`S Disease: Comparison of Ganglion Cell Complex and Central Macular Thickness in Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Subjects Using Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT)

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the commonest form of dementia worldwide. The modalities to diagnose AD are generally expensive and limited. Both CNS and Retina are derived from cranial neural crest, so the changes in retinal layers may reflect the changes in CNS tissue. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine can show the delicate retinal layers and is widely used in retinal disorders. The purpose of this study is to find a new biomarker to help clinicians diagnose AD by the means of retinal OCT examination. Methods: After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 patients with mild and moderate AD and 25 normal matched subjects were enrolled in the study. OCT was done for all eyes. Central Macular thickness (CMT) and Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) thickness were calculated. Groups were compared using SPSS 22 software. Results: Both GCC thickness and CMT were significantly decreased in patients with AD, compared to healthy age and sex matched subjects. Conclusion: Retinal changes, specifically CMT and GCC thickness, may reflect the AD process in brain. OCT may be considered as a non-invasive and inexpensive means to help diagnose the AD.