A closer look at retina changes in Alzheimer’s patients

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Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have performed an in-depth study on changes that occur in the retinas of Alzheimer’s disease patients.

The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between these alterations and the brain and cognitive changes that occur as Alzheimer’s progresses.

The findings could pave the way for more effective treatments for the disease.

The Link Between the Retina and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that gradually destroys memory and cognitive abilities. Currently, there is no single diagnostic test for the disease.

By analyzing the protein profiles, molecular, cellular, and structural effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the human retina, researchers aim to gain a better understanding of the disease’s impact on the brain and cognitive function.

The retina, an extension of the brain, offers a unique opportunity for non-invasive and cost-effective monitoring of the central nervous system.

Researchers discovered that toxic proteins accumulate in the retinas of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, leading to severe cell degeneration.

Detailed Study over 14 Years

Over a 14-year period, the research team collected retinal and brain tissue samples from 86 human donors.

They compared samples from donors with normal cognitive function to those with mild cognitive impairment at the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease and those with later-stage Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

The researchers measured and mapped the physical features of the patient’s retinas, analyzed the markers of inflammation and functional cell loss, and examined the proteins present in retinal and brain tissues.

Key Findings and Potential Implications

The team discovered an overabundance of a protein called amyloid beta 42 and an accumulation of amyloid beta protein in ganglion cells.

They also noted higher numbers of astrocytes and microglia surrounding amyloid beta plaques and a significant reduction in the number of microglial cells clearing amyloid beta proteins from the retina and brain.

Furthermore, the researchers identified specific molecules and biological pathways responsible for inflammation and cell and tissue death.

These changes in the retina correlated with alterations in parts of the brain responsible for memory, navigation, and time perception.

Notably, these changes were present even in patients who appeared cognitively normal or mildly impaired.

These findings suggest that changes in the retina may serve as an early predictor of cognitive decline.

They could also lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for more effective management of this devastating condition in the future.

If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about personality traits linked to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, and how to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about alternative drug strategies against Alzheimer’s, and coconut oil may help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.

The study was conducted by Yosef Koronyo et al and published in Acta Neuropathologica.

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