Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis in an Instant
November 5th 2009 -
Alzheimer’s disease can be possible with a view to prove safe in the eye. To date, a definitive diagnosis is possible only after the death of the patient. But researchers at the University of California at Irvine discovered deposits, as they show themselves in the brain in Alzheimer’s, now also in the retina of the eye.
The scientists made their discovery in mice that were genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer’s. In the retina – the so-called retina – the animals were found deposits of amyloid beta-protein. These plaques, in addition to mental limitations like declining memory as the most important characteristic for the disease.
The researchers treated the mice with a therapeutic vaccine against amyloid – a therapeutic approach against Alzheimer’s – reduced the deposits in both brain and retina. That sparked off the retina and there were more on small plaques in blood vessels.
The result leaves the researchers hope to be able to demonstrate the Alzheimer’s disease in humans over the eyes. “Brain tissue is not transparent, but retinas already,” says Tan Zhiqun. “I hope that in future we are able to diagnose the disease and deal with by looking into his eyes.” The approach appears to be suitable also for it to gauge the success of treatment. Other studies are attempting to prove the deposits using sophisticated imaging techniques in the brains of Alzheimer patients.
Tags: Alzheimer, amyloid beta-protein
