Can eye exams detect Alzheimer’s? Imagine getting a heads-up about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms start, thanks to a simple eye test. In the quest to find easier, more affordable ways to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s, researchers are looking closer at the eye.

“The eye has been called the window to the brain,” says Dr. Edgardo Rivera, Medical Director at Charter Research in Orlando. “The retina, located in the back of your eye, contains nerves and blood vessels that come directly from the brain. It can give us valuable information—not just about eye diseases, but also systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s.”

Your Eyes May Hold Clues About Alzheimer’s

Have you been to the eye doctor lately? During your routine eye exam, you may recall your optometrist taking pictures of your eye with a special camera. You’re usually seated in a chair with your head and chin against a headrest.

During a new test called the RetiSpec retinal scan, a special attachment is mounted onto this existing camera. An operator takes images of your eyes and then uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the reflected light in the pictures.

Doctors are studying a pattern in the scans as a potential early biomarker for Alzheimer’s. Subtle changes in how light scatters in the retina could indicate early Alzheimer’s.

“Other visible retinal changes, like thinning of the retinal arteries, also occur in Alzheimer’s, but those appear later in the disease,” explained Dr. Rivera. “This retinal biomarker is different because we may be able to detect it much earlier.”

Easier Testing Could Lead To Earlier Diagnosis

Another eye test called ViewMind assesses eye movements in relation to different cognitive tasks. With this test you put on a special headset with eye tracking capabilities. A healthcare provider interprets how your eye movements respond to visual exercises using proprietary software. This is a new avenue for research, as these movements may be connected to cognitive health and detect early minor alterations in cognition.

These simple eye tests may be able to detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms arise. Earlier diagnosis means more time to benefit from treatments designed to slow the progress of the disease. Compared to traditional PET brain scans, this new generation of tests could be quicker, easier, and more affordable.

Advancing Research on Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Detection

Right now, researchers are evaluating both RetiSpec and ViewMind—along with other diagnostic methods—in a new study called Bio-Hermes-002. This study is supported by the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) Foundation and facilitated by Charter Research at our Orlando location. The study is evaluating retinal imaging, blood biomarkers, and digital tests alongside traditional PET scans to determine how well these new tests can predict Alzheimer’s.

“If we find a strong correlation, it means these non-invasive tools could be an acceptable alternative to PET scans in detecting Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Rivera. “That could make early detection simpler, cheaper, and available to more people.”

During the study, scientists will administer different Alzheimer’s diagnostic tests to three groups of participants: those with no memory problems, those with mild memory issues, and those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They will compare the biomarkers from these tests to predict Alzheimer’s pathology. The findings will be stored in a database made available to other researchers around the globe.

One key goal of this study is ensuring diverse participation. Researchers know that some biomarkers work differently across different racial and ethnic groups, so broad participation helps ensure the tests work for everyone. The study will remain open until at least 25% of participants come from underrepresented groups.

How You Can Benefit

This study offers a unique opportunity to receive valuable medical tests completely free of charge. Participants may receive:

• A free MRI and PET scan of the brain
• Free blood testing
• Free eye tests
• Free cognitive assessments

“These tests are often expensive—even with insurance,” Dr. Rivera said. “One of the biggest benefits for participants is that they get a free PET scan. PET scans are costly, and even though Medicare now covers them, not everyone qualifies. Through this study, participants can get that scan at no cost.”

To join, participants must be between 60 and 90 years old and have a study partner who has at least eight hours of weekly contact with the participant. The study itself takes only 120 days and no medications are administered.

You Can Help Advance Alzheimer’s Research

Participating in research today paves the way for better detection and treatment options for future generations.

“Thanks to past research volunteers, we now benefit from any approved medications like insulin, aspirin, and blood pressure drugs, for example,” Dr. Rivera said. “This study could be a step toward making Alzheimer’s detection easier and more accessible for everyone.”

If you’re interested in learning more, fill out this form or give us a call at one of our research centers:

Orlando 407-337-3000
The Villages 352-775-1000