A simple and inexpensive eye test could aid detection and diagnosis of major neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's at an earlier stage than is currently possible, according to new research by University College London (UCL) scientists.
The research, led by Professors Francesca Cordeiro & Stephen Moss and published in Cell Death & Disease, demonstrates a new technique that enables retinal, and therefore brain cell death, to be directly measured in real time.
The method, demonstrated in an animal model, could not only refine diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders and help track disease progress; it could also aid the assessment and development of new treatments.
The technique uses fluorescent markers that attach themselves to the relevant cells and indicate the stage of cell death. The retina is then observed using a customized laser ophthalmoscope. Until now, this kind of technique has only been used in cells in the lab, rather than in live animals. This research is therefore the first ever in vivo (in the living organism) demonstration of retinal nerve cell death in Alzheimer's disease.
"The death of nerve cells is the key event in all neurodegenerative disorders -- but until now it has not been possible to study cell death in real time," said Professor Cordeiro of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. "This technique means we should be able to directly observe retinal nerve cell death in patients, which has a number of advantages in terms of effective diagnosis. This could be critically important since identification of the early stages could lead to successful reversal of the disease progression with treatment."
The biggest obstacle to research into new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases at this point is the lack of a technique where the brain's response to new treatments can be directly assessed. But Professor Cordeiro thinks this technique could potentially help overcome that.
Although the research paper outlines the technique in animal models (rats and mice), Professor Cordeiro's team is further along with work using the same technique to detect and assess glaucoma, and will be conducting its first patient trials later this year.
"The equipment used for this research was customized to suit animal models but is essentially the same as is used in hospitals and clinics worldwide," Cordeiro pointed out, adding, "It is also inexpensive and non-invasive, which makes us fairly confident that we can progress quickly to its use in patients.
The retina is a direct, albeit thin, extension of the brain and Cordeiro says, "It is entirely possible that in the future a visit to a high-street optician to check on your eyesight will also be a check on the state of your brain."
The UCL research is just the latest project in the continuing effort to unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's. Recently, researchers at the University of South Florida found evidence that long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves associated with cell phone use may actually protect against, and even reverse, Alzheimer's disease.
There are also suggestions that caffeine might help protect the brain from Alzheimer's.
