Eye test can detect early-stage Alzheimer’s
Researchers use new screening test to positively identify Alzheimer’s patients
Doctors may one day be able to use a simple eye test to detect the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers say.
Researchers in Australia used two separate techniques to identify a key Alzheimer’s trait in the retina and lens of the eye, allowing them to separate probable Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers with a high level of accuracy, the Telegraph reported.
In preliminary trials conducted by the Australia-based Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), researchers asked 200 volunteers to take a supplement of curcumin, an ingredient found in turmeric spice. Curcumin binds strongly to beta-amyloid proteins, which form clumps in the brain in Alzheimer’s Disease patients, and are a key indicator of the disease. When the curcumin binds to beta-amyloids, doctors can detect the proteins in the subject’s retina using an imaging device.
Preliminary results based on 40 participants showed that the test correctly identified 100 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s and 80 percent of those who did not have the disease. Researchers say the new method could be applied as an initial screening that could accompany a patient’s regular eye exam.
If the eye test gives a positive result, doctors could follow up with a PET (positron emission topography) scan of the brain or spinal fluid analysis to confirm the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers said.
“We envision this technology potentially as an initial screen that could complement what is currently used: brain PET imaging, MRI imaging, and clinical tests,” Shaun Frost of CSIRO said. “If further research shows that our initial findings are correct, it could potentially be delivered as part of an individual's regular eye check-up.”
Further links:
Csiro.au
Telegraph.co.uk
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