A simple eye test might be able to detect Alzheimer’s and other diseases before symptoms develop, according to researchers.
The technique uses fluorescent markers which attach to dying cells which can be seen in the retina and give an early indication of brain cell death. Researchers from University College London hope this could lead to a high street opticians test for the disease.
This new technique enables scientists to track the progress of brain disease by looking at dying cells in the retina. The cells show up as green dots because they absorb the fluorescent dye. Currently scientists have to rely on expensive MRI scans or post-mortems.
[Source]
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Chapter: Alzheimer's Disease ::
10 February 2010
