This is yet no standard screening system for Alzheimer’s disease, even though it is the most common form of dementia among older adults. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s in its early stages has proven to be a challenge. The result is that treatment often doesn’t even begin until the brain has already suffered irreversible damage.

An Ontario, Canada, start-up called RetiSpec has developed a non-invasive eye scanner that uses artificial intelligence to detect biomarkers that can identify people at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The amyloid protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s can be seen in the retina. By harnessing hyperspectral imagery, RetiSpec’s patented technology allows for the rapid, simple and cost-effective identification of Alzheimer’s biomarkers years before the emergence of clinical symptoms. The technology is able to connect with standard ophthalmological equipment that is available at most clinics, and the results are immediate- nothing has to be sent to a lab for analysis or testing. Being able to detect Alzheimer’s earlier could result in decreasing these patients’ long-term medical needs and save the healthcare system money and resources.

In preclinical and feasibility studies, the retinal imaging technology was effective in detecting small changes in biomarkers associated with elevated cerebral amyloid beta levels early in the disease process including before the onset of clinical symptoms. The Center for Aging Brian Health Innovation (CABHI) is working with RetiSpec to accelerate this technology in Canada. In October 2020 it was announced that RetiSpec entered into a partnership with Gentex, a company that develops, engineers, and manufactures electro-optical products for a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, fire protection and medical. The CEO of RetiSpec says, “We are excited about the prospect of partnering with Gentex and leveraging its vast expertise and innovative technologies in machine vision, imaging and electronics manufacturing.”

So, this may be an innovation to keep your eye on!