New research by UCL scientist has revealed that a simple and economical eye test could soon be able to detect and diagnose major neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, much before than is currently possible.
Led by Professors Francesca Cordeiro and Stephen Moss, the study puts forward a new technique that enables retinal, and therefore brain cell death, to be directly measured in real time.The method, which was demonstrated in an animal model, could not only refine diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders and help track disease progress, but it could also aid the assessment and development of new treatments.
The technique uses fluorescent markers that attach themselves to the relevant cells and indicate the stage of cell death.
The retina is then observed using a customised laser ophthalmoscope.
Until now, such technique has only been used in cells in the lab, rather than in live animals.
Thus, the study is the first ever in vivo demonstration of retinal nerve cell death in Alzheimer's Disease.
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"Currently, the biggest obstacle to research into new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is the lack of a technique where the brain's response to new treatments can be directly assessed - this technique could potentially help overcome that," she added.
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The study has been published in Cell Death and Disease.
Source-ANI
RAS