Alzheimer’s occurs due to the death of brain cells and decreased cognitive function. Alzheimer’s, which starts with simple forgetfulness at first, may cause the patient to forget his recent past and the people around him as time goes on. But forgetfulness is not the only symptom of Alzheimer’s. Research on Alzheimer’s disease, which is increasing day by day, has found that the first symptoms of this disease in the brain started decades ago.
THE FIRST STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
The study, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, suggested that the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease may appear in your eyes. Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui said: “Our study is the first to provide in-depth analyzes of the protein profiles and molecular, cellular and structural effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the human retina and how these map to changes in the brain and cognitive function.”
THE RESEARCH COVERS 14 YEARS
“These changes in the retina were associated with changes in parts of the brain called the entorhinal and temporal cortex, which are a center for memory, navigation, and time perception.” The research team collected retinal and brain tissue samples over 14 years from 86 human donors with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.
THE SAME INCREASE WAS SEEN IN PEOPLE WITH THE DISEASE
They then compared samples from donors with normal cognitive function with those with mild cognitive impairment and those with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The findings showed significant increases in beta-amyloid, a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease, in people experiencing both Alzheimer’s and early cognitive decline.
ATTENTION TO THE CHANGE AROUND THE RETINA!
Also, cells responsible for repair and maintenance of other cells, including clearing beta-amyloid from the brain and retina, were reduced by 80 percent in those with cognitive problems. Tissue atrophy and inflammation in cells in the distant periphery of the retina were the best predictors of cognitive status, according to the researchers.
CAN PROVIDE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF THE DISEASE
These findings are striking because they could eventually lead to the development of imaging techniques that could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier. Deena Heaney, Macc Care Dementia Lead, who was not involved in the research, told Express.co.uk: “The study provides very interesting reading, anything that can help detect the disease is a positive step forward.
“It would be very interesting to see the outcome of additional testing that may require opticians to work closely with neurologists in creating strategies for early detection and diagnosis and only making appropriate referrals that can be extremely helpful.”
EARLY ALZHEIMER SYMPTOMS
Also, Khuram Sarwar of Feel Good Contacts shared that some symptoms may also occur in this area. Some of the possible visual symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include problems with:
- depth perception
- Contrast issues
- Read
- To follow moving objects.