Eye Test May Give Clues To Alzheimer’s Disease

Over 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps 35 million worldwide. A 2010 report indicated that the earliest signs might be noted in the liver, indicating a long-term nutritional issue may be associated. Brain scans can detect amyloid plaques but they are usually performed after the clinical diagnosis is evident.

Australian researchers have correlated the width of retinal blood vessels (which can be easily photographed) with the amount of plaque in the brain. A company called Neuroptix has developed a scanning eye laser that can actually measure the amount of the amyloid protein in the lens. So, eye doctors will soon have the tools to look into the eye and diagnose the early onset of the disease. Currently, all physicians should be aware of the fact that balance and gait problems may appear before the memory loss and dementia appears.

I would hope that early diagnosis would allow the evaluation of better therapies. But, I believe that liver involvement indicates the importance of lifestyle and nutrition. In the meantime, keep doing work with your fingers and puzzles.