Thinning Retinas Offer a Clue to Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Duke University researchers have designed a new imaging device that measures the retina's thickness and texture in the search for Alzheimer's biomarkers, reports Being Patient . "By adding a light-scattering technique to the measurement, we've found that the retinal nerve fiber layer in people with Alzheimer's is also rougher and more disordered," said Duke Professor Adam Wax. "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." Wax added that "the retina can provide easy access to the brain, and its thinning can be indicative of a decrease in the amount of neural tissue, which can mean that Alzheimer's is present." He is hopeful that such technology could give clinicians Alzheimer's indicators to help persuade people to follow an intervention treatment program before the disease overwhelms them.