5. Retinal imaging technology diagnoses Alzheimer’s
NeuroVision and Cedars-Sinai are developing technology that explores the use of noninvasive eye imaging to detect Alzheimer’s disease.
The technology scans the retina to find neurotoxic beta-amyloid protein deposits that are associated with the disorder. Traditionally, the deposits can be found using a PET scan or through cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which can both be more invasive and costly. NeuroVision’s system uses autofluorescence imaging of the retina with a specialized ophthalmic camera and advanced image processing software to detect deposits.
So far, the researchers have conducted clinical trials of the device in the U.S. and Australia. The studies showed that there was a 4.7-fild increase in retinal plaque burden in Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers also found that there were changes in the geometric distribution and layer location of amyloid pathology in the retina.
Read about the eye imaging technology.
