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Politiko 2025-04-28 18:05:09

A recent study from the University of Otago in New Zealand is shedding light on an intriguing connection between the eyes and the brain: the condition of the blood vessels at the back of the eye, in the retina, may signal early signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye and directly connected to the brain via the optic nerve. Researchers believe that many of the processes of Alzheimer's disease are reflected in this sensitive area, making it a promising target for early identification of cognitive disorders.

According to psychologist Ashleigh Barrett-Young, the retina could act as an early biomarker to detect the risks of developing dementia, giving us a window to intervene before symptoms become apparent.

The research was based on data collected during a long-term study that included 45 years of health follow-up of more than 900 people born in 1972-1973 in New Zealand. In this latest analysis, researchers examined retinal photographs, eye tests and cognitive function assessments at age 45, to detect early indicators of neurodegenerative diseases, which are related to communication and thinking difficulties.

What they found was significant: People with narrower arterioles and wider venules in the retina had a higher risk of cognitive decline—an early indicator of dementia. These tiny blood vessels reflect the health of the body’s microvascular system, including the brain, suggesting a direct link between blood vessel health and brain function.

According to scientists, the integrity of blood vessels in the retina is a reflection of overall cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. This means that the condition of the eyes can provide early signals for diseases developing in the brain. This includes not only dementia and Alzheimer's, but also diseases related to the immunity of blood vessels.

Although the results are promising, the scientists emphasize that these measurements are not yet sufficient to be used as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice. However, Barrett-Young hopes that in the future, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence can be used to analyze eye scans and provide early indicators of brain diseases.

“Treatments are more effective when they start early,” she emphasizes. “If we can identify the risk through an eye exam, we will be able to intervene sooner and better.”

This new study clearly shows that the eyes are not just the windows to the soul, they may also be the windows to the brain. Retinal monitoring, a simple and non-invasive process, could become a powerful tool in the fight against dementia, if used in a timely and smart way. Syri.net-iefimerida.