Changes in the retina could hold Alzheimer’s clue

Blood vessels in the retina could hold clues to the development of Alzheimer's disease according to a study presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) in Paris.

The researchers examined photographs of people's retinas and found that the blood vessels in the retinas of people with Alzheimer's were significantly narrower compared to the control group. Brain scans taken for these people confirmed that they also had build up of amyloid plaques - a hallmark of the disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'We know that blood vessels in the retina narrow in people with Alzheimer's. By monitoring changes in their size researchers could potentially spot the development of the disease using a relatively non-invasive procedure. However, this narrowing of blood vessels is also seen in people with more general vascular problems such as heart disease. More research in this area is now needed to see whether a distinction can be made between these two groups.

'A million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years yet research remains drastically underfunded. If we can delay the onset of dementia by five years we can halve the number of people who will die with the disease.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: 'Retinal Vascular Parameters as Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease', Shaun Frost, M.Sc., CSIRO, Australian e-Health Research Center

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk 
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

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