Could an eye exam detect Alzheimer's years earlier? Scientists raise hope

News Topical, Digital Desk : Did you know that our eyes can reveal secrets about our brain's condition? A recent study has revealed this surprising information. Now, by examining the retina, serious diseases like Alzheimer's can be detected early, even before brain damage has begun.

Identifying the correct part of the 'window of the mind'

"The eyes are the window to the brain," says Stephen Wong, a researcher at Houston Methodist Hospital in the US. He says that until now, we've been looking at the wrong part of this window. Eye examinations typically focus on the central part of the retina. However, this new study has revealed that the most important and earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease lie in the outer part of the eye.

Treatment can begin years before memory loss

The biggest advantage of this new discovery is that it can detect the disease early. Changes in the retina begin years before memory loss and brain nerve damage occur. Researchers believe that if people get regular eye exams, doctors can identify these early changes. This can lead to early detection and treatment.

What is the science behind this?

How this entire process works can be understood based on previous research. Scientists have found that a key symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the brain. Similar amyloid proteins also accumulate in the retina of the eyes. This suggests that changes in the retina reflect the underlying disease in the brain.

Read More: What Not To Do Before Dentist Visit: From heavy makeup to an empty stomach, avoid these 5 mistakes before visiting the dentist.