Researchers Detect Early Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease In Mice With An Eye Exam
Summary
That’s the possibility researchers are floating after they were able to spot signs of Alzheimer’s in the retinas of mice using a special, non-invasive camera. “Using currently available detection methods, you have to wait until the plaque is formed to identify Alzheimer’s disease,” said Robert Vince, Ph.D., director of the Center for Drug Design. “This technology is a noninvasive way to identify Alzheimer’s disease before plaque is formed.” While the device hasn’t been used on humans yet, researchers hope that eventually it’ll be included as part of the average annual eye exam. The technology is now entering a Phase I trial in humans aiming to detect changes in patients with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy volunteers. “We are very excited about moving this study into Phase I human trials,” said Swati More, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Center for Drug Design.