Early Alzheimer Disease
A new study suggests that early Alzheimer's disease could potentially be diagnosed through a routine eye exam.
The research, published in the journal Ophthalmology Retina, found that changes in the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, could be a sign of the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, memory loss, & other neurological symptoms.
The disease is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, neurological exams, & cognitive tests.
However, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive, & invasive.
In recent years, researchers have been exploring alternative methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, including using imaging techniques to study the brain & other parts of the body.
This latest study is part of this broader effort to find new and more accessible diagnostic tools.
The study used a non-invasive imaging technique called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to scan the retinas of 133 participants, some of whom had early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
OCTA is a relatively new imaging technology that allows doctors to visualize blood vessels in the retina in great detail.
This can be helpful for diagnosing a range of eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy & age-related macular degeneration.
The results of the study showed that Alzheimer's patients had reduced blood vessel density & flow in their retinas compared to the control group.
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