Researchers from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology have developed an apparently simple and inexpensive eye test that is able to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, many years before symptoms appear.
Led by Francesca Cordeiro and Stephen Moss, the research team discovered that brain cell death could be observed through patients’ eyes, given the direct link between the retina and the brain.
The technique involves introducing fluorescent markers in the form of drops that attach themselves to the relevant cells and indicate the stage of cell death. Using a laser ophthalmoscope, they measured the cell death in real time.
Until now, tests have only been conducted on rats and mice but human testing should begin by the end of the year. With this new technique, not only will neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, be detected many years before symptoms appear—scientists are even saying 20 years!—but it could help in the development of new treatments to slow down or stop disease progression.
The first patient trials to assess the technique for the eye disease will begin later this year.
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."
Sources: The Times of India Le Matin BBC
