Eyes Could Provide Early Warning of Alzheimer's

A study in Scientific Reports details a new imaging technique to detect signs of incipient Alzheimer's disease in the retina at the back of the eye, according to Medical News Today . Duke University researchers have explored the method in a mouse model of Alzheimer's, and if it is applicable to humans, it could lead to a relatively inexpensive, compact, and easy-to-use screening device. The researchers integrated optical coherence tomography with angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry, which analyzes how the retina scatters light to measure its morphology. Their mouse model revealed that the topmost layer of the retina is rougher and more disordered than in mice without Alzheimer's. Other studies determined that the plaques that characterize Alzheimer's in the brain also are evident in this layer of the retina. "Our hope is that we can use this insight to create an easy and cheap screening device that wouldn't only be available at your doctor's office but at places like your local pharmacy, as well," said Duke Professor Adam Wax.