Research suggests subtle changes in the eye may identify the disease years before symptoms develop.
A new study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, shows routine eye exams could one day be used to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research, which was conducted by scientists from The Jackson Laboratory in Maine, found mice with a gene mutation called MTHFR677C>T – which is found in up to 40% of people – had abnormal blood vessels in their retinas.
Scientists found the retina’s had twisted vessels, narrowed and swollen arteries and less vessel branching as early as six months of age. This mirrors similar changes in the brain linked to poor blood flow and increased risk of cognitive decline.
Explaining the teams research, Alaina Reagan, a neuroscientist who led the study, said if you’re at an eye test and professionals ‘can see odd vascular changes in your retina, that could potentially represent something that is also happening in your brain, which could be very informative for early diagnosis.’
‘Your retina is essentially your brain, but it’s much more accessible because your pupil is just a hole, and we can see tons of stuff,’ Alaina continued. ‘All the cells are very similar, all the neurons are quite similar, all the immune cells are quite similar, and they behave similarly under pressure if you’ve got a disease.’
Though more research into this area is needed, the new study provides important insight for people who have the same gene mutation. For example, female mice displayed more severe damage over time. By 12 months old, they had fewer healthy vessels in their eyes.
Currently, the team is working with doctors at Northern Light Acadia Hospital to see if similar changes can be detected in people.
Alaina added: ‘Most people over 50 have some kind of vision impairment and get checked annually for prescription changes. Are they more at risk if they have these vascular changes, and is that a point when doctors could start mitigating brain changes?
‘That could be 20 years before cognitive damage becomes noticeable to patients and their families.’
The study can be accessed in full here.
Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn via UnSplash
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