How the brain-eye connection aims to make memory loss a souvenir

In fact, nearly 40% of people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of memory loss.

There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or Alzheimer’s related dementia, early detection can give patients more control over how they manage their overall well-being. That includes managing their brain health to reduce certain risk factors, potentially delaying or even reversing memory loss.

One of the biggest obstacles to addressing cognitive decline (including memory loss) is delayed diagnosis. The pathology underlying memory loss can begin years before the first symptoms appear.

Currently, no single diagnostic test exists for patients who are experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline. Instead, physicians use a process of elimination, ruling out other health concerns via cognitive assessments, medical and family history and speaking to family members, friends and caregivers. This process may take years, and eventually requires invasive and costly tests like nuclear brain imaging such as a PET (positron-emission tomography) scan.

But isn’t there a better way?

That’s why the experts in imaging, engineering and artificial intelligence at Optina Diagnostics have been working for 6 years to find new screening approaches to aid in early detection of memory loss. Early detection can help empower patients with the necessary information to make changes to their lifestyle, and ensure plans are in place for their long-term care.

“The eye is a natural window to the brain through the retina, as it’s an anatomical extension of the brain,” explains Dr. Black.

Researchers recently discovered that changes in the retina are associated with the hallmark cause of memory loss. These discoveries could dramatically transform the design of clinical trials to discover new treatments for Alzheimer’s dementia.

Optina Diagnostics developed a way to detect these changes with a quick, safe, and non-invasive eye test.

Optina is transforming detection and understanding of memory loss by bringing cutting-edge eye imagery and artificial intelligence to your local eye clinic.

Learn more about your health and help us advance the science of diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other diseases by participating in one of our studies.