The Eye, a Window to People's Mental State as Simple Retina Exam Could Detect Alzheimer's Disease Before Effects Surface

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a simple eye test could aid doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease years before its effects can actually be seen in patients.

The test could also make it possible for doctors to further test other drugs that could treat or prevent the spread of the disease. Already researchers have detected differences in patterns of light reflection associated with mice as the developed Alzheimer's, suggesting the disease can be detected long before symptoms are clearly apparent.

No Test for Alzheimer's

Currently there is no identifying test for Alzheimer's and the disease is typically diagnosed based on a set of symptoms. Over time, scientists have tied amyloid plaque build-up in the brain to the disease by utilizing a specialized device.

Scientists add the brain and retina are both part of the central nervous system and undergo similar changes when confronted by the disease, but with the retina being much easier to access changes there are far easier to detect.

"We saw changes in the retinas of Alzheimer's mice before the typical age at which neurological signs are observed," said Dr. Swati More, an assistant professor at the Center for Drug Design. "The results are close to our best-case scenario for outcomes of this project."

In examining the differences in light reflection in mice with Alzheimer's and age-matched wild-type mice without the disease, researcher's uncovered sufferers of the disease had reductions in the amount of light reflecting off their retinas.

Human Trial Test Soon

The plan now calls for clinical trials of the retina imaging device to commence with humans, with the hope being that the research will lead to treatment of the condition, rather than just managing its symptoms.

"Using currently available detection methods, you have to wait until the plaque is formed to identify Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Robert Vince, director of the Center. "This technology is a noninvasive way to identify Alzheimer's disease before plaque is formed."