New eye test may improve Alzheimer's diagnosis
UK scientists have discovered that a simple eye test could help to improve the diagnosis of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Professors Francesca Cordeiro and Stephen Moss, from University College London, found that a technique that measures brain cell death in real time could be used to track the profession of Alzheimer's disease.
The research, published in Cell Death & Disease, uses fluorescent markets that attach to certain cells indicating the stage of cell death. The retina is then observed using a customised ophthalmoscope. This is the first time that the technique has been used on live animal models, rather than cells in the lab. It is anticipated that the technique can be adapted for use in human patients.
Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "These findings have the potential to transform the way we diagnose Alzheimer's, greatly enhancing efforts to develop new treatments and cures.
"If we spot Alzheimer's in its earliest stages, we may be able to treat and reverse the progression of the disease as new treatments are developed. Dementia scientists currently lack a way of assessing the brain's responses to new treatments in real-time; this technique may help overcome that obstacle."
More information on Alzheimer's Disease and current research findings can be found at the Alzheimer's Society and the Alzheimer's Research Trust.