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Could This Eye Test Help Predict Alzheimer’s?

healthy eyes of a young girl
Image via healthtoday.com

For so long, Alzheimer’s has been seen as a disease that strikes at random.  While many researchers have determined that there are key health factors that make someone more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s – like genetics and the number of social connections you have as you get older – it can be difficult to determine when someone is at risk for this debilitating disease.

As it turns out, researchers might have stumbled onto an accurate predictor for determining if a patient is going to develop Alzheimer’s disease.  Catching this disease early is critical for minimizing symptoms, thus ensuring that a patient is able to enjoy a long and fruitful life.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design developed a new eye test that could be critical for determining if someone suffers from Alzheimer’s.  The test involved taking detailed colored pictures of the retina, which allowed researchers to look directly at the tissue.

Since retina tissue is extremely similar to brain tissue, this imagery allows researchers to determine if someone is at risk for developing this disease.

Additionally, if someone has Alzheimer’s disease, the color of the retina typically changes – this is only noticeable in photographs of the retina.  During the study, researchers were able to use this technique to successfully diagnose mice who had Alzheimer’s disease.

If you want to know more about how your eyesight can be a good indicator of your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or want to ensure your eyes remain healthy and strong well into your golden years, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia.  Dr. Griffiths can provide you with lifesaving examinations that will keep you healthy for the rest of your life.

NewView Eye Center also serves the greater Washington, DC areas.