Work

Retinal microvasculature alterations are associated with mild behavioral impairment in Southeast Asian dementia‐free older adults

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is an important neurobehavioral marker of dementia. This study examined associations between retinal vascular measures, MBI, and its potential neurobiological correlates. METHODS: Dementia-free older adults from a memory clinic cohort were followed for up to 5 years. MBI was evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Retinal vessel caliber measures were quantified from fundus photographs. Associations of retinal vascular measures with neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease and plasma proteomic profiles were further explored. RESULTS: Among 302 participants, reduced arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) and narrower arteriole caliber (central retinal artery equivalent) were associated with a greater likelihood of incident MBI. Lower AVR was associated with white matter hyperintensity volume and circulating proteins related to immune function and inflammatory processes. CONCLUSION: Retinal microvascular alterations are associated with MBI in the pre-dementia stage, with exploratory findings suggesting related vascular and inflammatory biological correlates that warrant further investigation.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia

DOI: 10.1002/alz.71933