AUTHOR=Méndez-Gómez Juan Luis , Rougier Marie-Bénédicte , Tellouck Laury , Korobelnik Jean-François , Schweitzer Cédric , Delyfer Marie-Noëlle , Amieva Hélène , Dartigues Jean-François , Delcourt Cécile , Helmer Catherine 

TITLE=Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and the Evolution of Cognitive Performance in an Elderly Population

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2017.00093

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2017.00093

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=<p>Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness is reduced in Alzheimer’s patients. However, whether it is associated with early evolution of cognitive function is unknown. Within 427 participants from the Three-City-Alienor longitudinal population-based cohort, we explored the relationship between peripapillary RNFL thicknesses and the evolution of cognitive performance. RNFL was assessed at baseline by spectral domain optical coherence tomography; cognitive performances were assessed at baseline and at 2 years, with the Mini–Mental State Examination, the Isaacs’ set test, and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). Multivariate linear mixed models were performed. The RNFL was not associated with initial cognitive performance. Nevertheless, a thicker RNFL was significantly associated with a better cognitive evolution over time in the <italic>free delayed recall</italic> (<italic>p</italic> = 0.0037) and <italic>free</italic> + <italic>cued delayed recall</italic> (<italic>p</italic> = 0.0043) scores of the FCSRT, particularly in the temporal, superotemporal, and inferotemporal segments. No associations were found with other cognitive tests. The RNFL was associated with changes in scores that assess episodic memory. RNFL thickness could reflect a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment over time.</p>