The Potential of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) to Detect Early Cognitive Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients

OCTA is a fast, non-invasive, and contactless imaging technique that enables detailed visualization of the retinal microvasculature by tracking erythrocyte movement within blood vessels in real time. It provides layer-by-layer analysis of the retina and choroid without the need for intravenous contrast, significantly reducing patient risk and improving accessibility. Increasing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative and vascular changes precede clinically visible signs of disease, making OCTA a valuable diagnostic tool for early detection of diabetic retinopathy before it can be confirmed through standard fundus examination. The MoCA test includes assessments of executive functions, high-level language abilities, and complex visuospatial tasks, making it suitable for detecting even mild cognitive dysfunction.