Looking at people’s eyes rather than their brains ‘could help docs find Alzheimer’s sooner’
Scientists believe there may be an established link between light sensitivity and the deterioration of memory
EYE tests could help early detection of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, scientists claim.
The conditions may show up in changes in the retina before the brain, experiments on mice in Finland revealed.
Researchers observed changes to the animals’ night vision as they developed Alzheimer’s.
Scientists compared the response time of the genetically engineered mice against wild mice.
Boffins believe there may be an established link between light sensitivity and the deterioration of memory.
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The breakthrough could be crucial in finding a cure as treatments are more effective the earlier they are started.
Dr Henri Leinonen said: “The eye examination serves as a potential screening tool.”
The eyes may provide a window into the state of the brain's health which could make diagnosing easier.
It is based on the fact that the eye shares a similar neurotransmitter system as the brain.
The eye can be examined in a noninvasive fashion unlike the brain.
The experiments also showed possible advancements in the detection of Huntington's disease.
The inherited condition leads to uncontrolled movements, behaviour changes and poor cognition.
Life expectancy after diagnosis can be as short as ten years.