To examine the association between retinal thickness measurements and plasma Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in cognitively normal adults specifically at increased risk for AD.
Key Findings:
Thinner inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements are associated with higher levels of p-tau217 and GFAP, indicating potential biomarkers for early AD.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest potential relationships between retinal layer thickness and plasma biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer's disease pathology, warranting further investigation.
Limitations:
Small sample size limits generalizability.
Cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences.
Preliminary nature of findings requires validation in larger studies, affecting the robustness of conclusions.
Conclusion:
Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and assess the role of retinal OCT in early AD risk assessment, emphasizing the importance of validation.