New research has identified that our eyes could provide an early indication of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles have discovered that retinal amyloid, an early indicator of the disease, can be found in the retina.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 60 to 80 percent of cases. There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, more than ever before, and this number is projected to increase.

The researchers claim that these findings are important because caregivers, families and patients could receive an earlier diagnosis and take action to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. There is currently no standard test to diagnose Alzheimer’s, so looking at the eyes could be a major development in combating a disease that is becoming more prevalent every year.

Sources:

1. Mbg health.

2. Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

3. Dementia Statistics hub: Numbers of People in the UK.