Retina pathology as a target for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Current status, ophthalmopathological background, challenges, and future directions

Jessica Alber*, Femke Bouwman, Jurre den Haan, Robert A Rissman, Lies De Groef, Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, Imre Lengyel, Dietmar Rudolf Thal, Alzheimer's Association ISTAART “The Eye as a Biomarker for AD” Professional Interest Area

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
32 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

There is emerging evidence that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and tau-related lesions in the retina are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and hyperphosphorylated (p)-tau deposits have been described in the retina and were associated with small amyloid spots visualized by in vivo imaging techniques as well as degeneration of the retina. These changes correlate with brain amyloid deposition as determined by histological quantification, positron emission tomography (PET) or clinical diagnosis of AD. However, the literature is not coherent on these histopathological and in vivo imaging findings. One important reason for this is the variability in the methods and the interpretation of findings across different studies. In this perspective, we indicate the critical methodological deviations among different groups and suggest a roadmap moving forward on how to harmonize (i) histopathologic examination of retinal tissue; (ii) in vivo imaging among different methods, devices, and interpretation algorithms; and (iii) inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies aiming at retinal biomarker validation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)728-740
Number of pages13
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume20
Issue number1
Early online date02 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Bibliographical note

© 2023 The Authors. Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.

Keywords

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Epidemiology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Health Policy
  • Neurology (clinical)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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