Retinal microvascular features and cognitive change in the Lothian-Birth Cohort 1936

INTRODUCTION: We test whether measures of the retinal vasculature are associated with cognitive functioning and cognitive change. METHODS: Retinal images from a narrow-age cohort were analyzed using Vessel Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina, producing a comprehensive range of quantitative measurements of the retinal vasculature, at mean age 72.5 years (SD = 0.7). Cognitive ability and change were measured using a battery of multiple measures of memory, visuospatial, processing speed, and crystallized cognitive abilities at mean ages 73, 76, and 79 years. We applied multivariate growth curve models to test the association between retinal vascular measurements with cognitive abilities and their changes. RESULTS: Almost all associations were nonsignificant. In our most parsimonious model, venular asymmetry factor was associated with speed at age 73. DISCUSSION: Our null findings suggest that the quantitative retinal parameters applied in this study are not significantly associated with cognitive functioning or cognitive change.