Objective:

To quantitatively assess the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the risk of all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD).

Approach:

• Data Sources: Literature search conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to September 2023.
• Key Findings:
• : Diabetic retinopathy is significantly associated with higher risks of all-cause dementia (HR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.14, 1.36], p < 0.00001).
• : Diabetic retinopathy is associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia (HR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37], p = 0.009).
• : Diabetic retinopathy is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (HR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.11, 1.37], p < 0.00001).

Key Findings:

• Diabetic retinopathy is significantly associated with higher risks of all-cause dementia (HR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.14, 1.36], p < 0.00001).
• Diabetic retinopathy is associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia (HR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37], p = 0.009).
• Diabetic retinopathy is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (HR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.11, 1.37], p < 0.00001).

Interpretation:

The findings suggest that individuals with diabetic retinopathy are at a significantly increased risk for developing various forms of dementia, including all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. This relationship highlights the potential importance of monitoring and managing diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes to mitigate the risk of cognitive decline.

Limitations:

• The study acknowledges inherent limitations and calls for further high-quality prospective cohort studies. -

Conclusion:

Current evidence indicates that DR is associated with an elevated risk of ACD, AD, and VD. ---