American Academy of Ophthalmology

Normal Tension Glaucoma Raises Alzheimer Risk

Courtney Dryer, OD
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Patients with normal tension glaucoma should undergo evaluation for neurodegenerative disease.

Patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) have a significantly greater risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a poster presented at the 2022 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) held in Chicago September 30 to October 3. 

The study analyzed data from patients in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database who have NTG (n=15,317) and compared them with age-and gender-matched patients who served as a control group (n=61,268). A multivariable Cox regression analysis estimated the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for those with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and stroke.  

After an adjustment for confounding factors, the multivariable Cox regression analysis concluded the NTG group had a significantly higher risk of AD (adjusted HR: 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.63) when compared with the control group patients. 

In addition, medicated drops used to control glaucoma were neither found to be significant risk factors for AD or protective against AD, according to the research.

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References:

Chen Y. Association between NTG and the risk of Alzheimer disease. Poster presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology 2022 Annual Meeting; September 30 to October 3, 2022; Chicago. Abstract PO133.