A recent study by the University of Otago — Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, has established a connection between the state of our eye health and the possibility of developing dementia. The research conducted by the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study team revealed that retinal microvasculature, the tiny blood vessels located at the back of our eyes, could potentially serve as early indicators of dementia risk.
Dr Ashleigh Barrett-Young, a co-lead author from the Department of Psychology, shares that these findings align with previous research conducted by the team, allowing them to piece together the early signs of dementia. However, it’s important to note that the findings are still in the early stages and cannot be immediately applied to real-world scenarios.
The researchers emphasise the significance of early treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Identifying individuals who could benefit from early intervention is vital yet challenging with current testing methods. While cognitive tests may not be sensitive enough in the early stages, other tests such as MRI and PET scanning are costly and not readily available.
The study focused on the retina due to its direct connection to the brain. It is believed that many Alzheimer’s disease processes are reflected in the retina, making it a viable biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of dementia. Dr Aaron Reuben, of the University of Virginia, co-led this study, showcasing Otago’s global collaborations with other universities.
Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the research utilised data from eye scans gathered during the Dunedin Study’s age 45 assessment, a part of New Zealand’s longest-running longitudinal study. The scans revealed that narrower arterioles, wider venules, and thinner retinal nerve fibre layers all indicated a higher risk of dementia.
Dr Barrett-Young admits these findings were somewhat unexpected, particularly the association of venules with numerous aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests venules could serve as a particularly beneficial target for assessing dementia risk.
However, Dr Barrett-Young cautions against alarm, reminding us that this research is still in its infancy. While the findings are promising, an eye scan cannot yet predict an individual’s risk of developing dementia. She remains hopeful that future advancements in AI could employ eye scans to provide insights into brain health, but acknowledges that we’re not there yet.
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