Because the retina at the back of the eye is essentially a part of the brain, it is an intriguing target for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Earlier, we reported on work (The Eyes May Know About Alzheimer’s) developing a scanning machine for determining the amount of plaque present in the retina. Recent work, using 39 people with Alzheimer’s and 133 healthy people, takes the same route through the eyes, but instead examines the density of the microscopic network of blood vessels in the retina. The network in healthy people was notably denser than that in people with Alzheimer’s.

Here are two media articles on the work:

Alzheimer’s and brain health could soon be detected using an eye exam

Could an eye doctor diagnose Alzheimer’s before you have symptoms?

Here is the research report:

Retinal Microvascular and Neurodegenerative Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Compared with Control Participants

All links have been added to Alzheimers > Diagnosis & Tests.