Optical coherence tomography as a potential surrogate marker of dopaminergic modulation across the life span

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftÜbersichtsartikel (Review)BeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

The retina has been considered a "window to the brain" and shares similar innervation by the dopaminergic system with the cortex in terms of an unequal distribution of D1 and D2 receptors. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview that Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging technique, which provides an "in vivo" representation of the retina, shows promise to be used as a surrogate marker of dopaminergic neuromodulation in cognition. Overall, most evidence supports reduced retinal thickness in individuals with dopaminergic dysregulation (e.g., patients with Parkinson's Disease, non-demented older adults) and with poor cognitive functioning. By using the theoretical framework of metacontrol, we derive hypotheses that retinal thinning associated to decreased dopamine (DA) levels affecting D1 families, might lead to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) affecting cognitive persistence (depending on D1-modulated DA activity) but not cognitive flexibility (depending on D2-modulated DA activity). We argue that the use of OCT parameters might not only be an insightful for cognitive neuroscience research, but also a potentially effective tool for individualized medicine with a focus on cognition. As our society progressively ages in the forthcoming years and decades, the preservation of cognitive abilities and promoting healthy aging will hold of crucial significance. OCT has the potential to function as a swift, non-invasive, and economical method for promptly recognizing individuals with a heightened vulnerability to cognitive deterioration throughout all stages of life.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer102280
FachzeitschriftAgeing Research Reviews
Jahrgang96
Frühes Online-Datum20 März 2024
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Apr. 2024
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-2989-9561/work/156337152
Scopus 85188588681
unpaywall 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102280

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • Dopamine, Tomography, Optical Coherence, Humans, Biomarkers, Aged, Cognition/physiology, Longevity, Retina/diagnostic imaging