As the retina is part of the central nervous system, researchers often view it as an extension of the brain, sharing essentially the same tissue, a study revealed.
MADRID (EUROPA PRESS) – According to a study by Jackson Laboratory (USA), doctors might be able to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through retinal eye examinations long before symptoms manifest.
The study’s results, published in ‘Alzheimer’s & Dementia’, link abnormal changes in the tiny blood vessels of the retina in mice, carrying a common genetic mutation known to heighten Alzheimer’s risk.
Since the retina is part of the central nervous system, it is often considered a brain extension that shares the same type of tissue. Therefore, any changes in the retinal blood vessels could provide early insights into brain health and diseases like Alzheimer’s, explained neuroscientist Alaina Reagan from The Jackson Laboratory, who led the research.
Reagan noted that if during an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, unusual vascular changes in the retina are observed, it could potentially indicate similar changes occurring in the brain, which “could be incredibly useful for early diagnosis.”
To gather evidence, the research team studied mice with a mutation known as MTHFR 677C>T, which is present in up to 40% of people. They found that these mice exhibited twisted blood vessels, narrowed and inflamed arteries, and reduced vascular branching in their retinas at six months old. “These wavy blood vessels in the retinas could also occur in people with dementia,” Reagan stated.
This mirrors similar changes in the brain associated with poor blood flow and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Blood vessels that appear more twisted and coiled than usual may indicate hypertension issues, as the narrowing of the tissue restricts nutrient and oxygen transport, Reagan pointed out. She added, “It indicates a more systemic problem, not just an issue with the brain or retina. It could be a blood pressure issue affecting the whole body.”
Furthermore, earlier research from the same laboratory in 2022 revealed that mice with this genetic mutation “have fewer blood vessels in the cortex and reduced blood flow to the brain. These are subtle changes, but they are present.”
The team also discovered changes in protein patterns in both the brain and the retina. Specifically, they found alterations in how cells produce energy, remove damaged proteins, and maintain the structure and support of blood vessels, providing crucial clues on how the MTHFR 677C>T mutation impacts the eye. According to Reagan, these findings support the theory that vascular health plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Now, to determine if the link between the mutation and vascular changes occurs in humans and whether this new knowledge could be applied in eye examinations, the team is collaborating with physicians and dementia care specialists at Northern Light Acadia Hospital in Bangor, Maine.
The goal is to study not just one cause or solution for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, since these conditions depend on various genetic and environmental factors, but also to better understand how eye health contributes to the overall risk of these diseases. If clinical professionals know which signs to look for, they could inform patients of these risk factors and recommend further testing, Reagan concluded.
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