Eye scan can detect early Alzheimer’s disease

Eye scan can detect early Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting up to 70% of all people with dementia. Now a new test could help you take precautions ahead of its onset.

Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain, resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. In the early stages the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be very subtle. However, it often begins with lapses in memory and difficulty in finding the right words for everyday objects.

Symptoms vary and the disease progresses at a different pace according to the individual and the areas of the brain affected. In the past there has been no single test to identify Alzheimer’s disease, instead diagnosis is made after a range of test including neuropsychological and psychiatric test, and lumbar puncture. These tests are used to eliminate other conditions.

Results from two recent studies presented by Duke University show that a new, non-invasive imaging device called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms show, allowing for early intervention.

The research shows that the small blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye are altered in patients with Alzheimer’s. While there currently isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s early diagnosis allows for early treatment.

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