Scientists may have found a way to detect Alzheimer's early with just an eye exam! Here’s what you need to know
By
- Replies 8
The field of health and medicine is constantly advancing and evolving, along with the technologies and tests available to diagnose and treat diseases.
The more we can identify these diseases in their early stages, the more we can protect ourselves from the devastating damage that can be caused.
Alzheimer's is one such disease that in some cases, can be hard to detect early on and progress quickly if left unnoticed or untreated.
However, a recent discovery could provide medical professionals with the breakthrough they need to detect Alzheimer's earlier in patients than ever before.
According to neurosurgeon Dr Rahul Jandial, the eyes could show early signs of Alzheimer's, with clinical trials already being conducted to explore this further.
He explained that Alzheimer's changes the brain and it could be detected when examining the back of the eyeball, an area that may be much more closely related to the brain than previously thought.
Dr Jandial remarked: 'They compared brains of people who had passed away with Alzheimer's, and they looked at the retina, and the correlation was so strong that now we're starting clinical trials.’
Typically, tests for Alzheimer's involve PET scans and lumbar punctures, both of which can be quite invasive. But the latest research might offer a much less intimidating way of identifying the disease early on.
'The back of the eye is really where it's at,' he continued.
'So diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, when you go to your regular doctor, you can have diabetes and feel fine but when they tell you the back of your eye, the optic disc or the retina or the nerve is being damaged, people take that seriously.'
While it is still in its early stages, if this eye test could provide a more accessible and comfortable way to detect Alzheimer's quickly, it could make all the difference for those living with and managing the disease.
Early detection is of paramount importance when it comes to the successful treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease.
The earlier the diagnosis, the better prepared a patient will be for the disease's progression.
Early diagnosis also allows for earlier access to interventions, such as early dementia support, lifestyle changes, and medications, all of which can potentially slow down or help manage the symptoms of the condition.
Furthermore, early detection can help a patient to start planning ahead and making important decisions in advance regarding long-term care.
We'll have to wait and see how this breakthrough unfolds, but with further research and more clinical trials, who knows – one day soon, we could have the early detection method we've all been hoping for!
Aside from early detection procedures, we’re also on the lookout for some trials for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, including this new technology being developed by the Queensland Brain Institute.
What are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!
The more we can identify these diseases in their early stages, the more we can protect ourselves from the devastating damage that can be caused.
Alzheimer's is one such disease that in some cases, can be hard to detect early on and progress quickly if left unnoticed or untreated.
However, a recent discovery could provide medical professionals with the breakthrough they need to detect Alzheimer's earlier in patients than ever before.

Early detection is important for Alzheimer’s so the patients and their families can prepare better for their care arrangements and needs. Credit: Pexels/Pixabay.
According to neurosurgeon Dr Rahul Jandial, the eyes could show early signs of Alzheimer's, with clinical trials already being conducted to explore this further.
He explained that Alzheimer's changes the brain and it could be detected when examining the back of the eyeball, an area that may be much more closely related to the brain than previously thought.
Dr Jandial remarked: 'They compared brains of people who had passed away with Alzheimer's, and they looked at the retina, and the correlation was so strong that now we're starting clinical trials.’
Typically, tests for Alzheimer's involve PET scans and lumbar punctures, both of which can be quite invasive. But the latest research might offer a much less intimidating way of identifying the disease early on.
'The back of the eye is really where it's at,' he continued.
'So diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, when you go to your regular doctor, you can have diabetes and feel fine but when they tell you the back of your eye, the optic disc or the retina or the nerve is being damaged, people take that seriously.'
While it is still in its early stages, if this eye test could provide a more accessible and comfortable way to detect Alzheimer's quickly, it could make all the difference for those living with and managing the disease.
Early detection is of paramount importance when it comes to the successful treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease.
The earlier the diagnosis, the better prepared a patient will be for the disease's progression.
Early diagnosis also allows for earlier access to interventions, such as early dementia support, lifestyle changes, and medications, all of which can potentially slow down or help manage the symptoms of the condition.
Furthermore, early detection can help a patient to start planning ahead and making important decisions in advance regarding long-term care.
Key Takeaways
- A new study reveals that the eyes could show early signs of Alzheimer's disease with clinical trials underway to explore the breakthrough further.
- Dr Rahul Jandial, a scientist and neurosurgeon, believes that doctors may be able to detect changes to the brain by examining the back of the eyeball, which may be more closely connected to the brain than previously thought.
- Current tests for Alzheimer's involve potentially dangerous procedures like PET scans and lumbar punctures, but this new eye test could provide a much less invasive detection method.
- Alzheimer's is the latest disease that can be checked for in the early stages by assessing the back of the eye, along with diabetes, stroke, and high cholesterol.
We'll have to wait and see how this breakthrough unfolds, but with further research and more clinical trials, who knows – one day soon, we could have the early detection method we've all been hoping for!
Aside from early detection procedures, we’re also on the lookout for some trials for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, including this new technology being developed by the Queensland Brain Institute.
What are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!