Eye tests can detect Alzheimer's disease

Eye tests can help detect Alzheimer's signs (Photo: TTO) Early dementia can be detected with a simple eye exam, similar to the one used to check high blood pressure and diabetes, according to US scientists.

The test, developed by a team of scientists at Brigham Hospital & Women in Boston, uses a non-invasive laser to test the lens of the eye. This method helps detect beta-amyloid - the protein found in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Currently this method has been successfully tested on mice. Dr. Lee Goldstein, lead researcher, and his colleagues plan to use this method to detect Alzheimer's disease at the earliest stage as well as the progression of the disease and monitor the patient's body response to treatment measures.

There is currently no simple test to help diagnose dementia and it can only be confirmed by checking the patient's brain at the autopsy stage.