Researchers from the University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design have identified patterns of changes in the retina that are linked to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Through the use of a camera, the researchers were able to see patterns produced by differences in light reflection off the retina, which changed as more amyloid plaque — a protein associated with the disease — was accumulated. Normally to use this type of detection method, doctors would have to wait until the plaque was formed. However, the researchers said this technique allowed them to identify Alzheimer’s disease before plaque is formed in a non-invasive way.
Researchers hope the device will be able to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The technology will reportedly be entering a Phase I trial in humans aiming to detect changes in patients with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy volunteers.
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Source: University of Minnesota