Key points from article :
Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) technique called Quartz that could allow high street opticians to identify individuals at risk of dementia through routine eye scans. The technology analyses the shapes and sizes of retinal blood vessels in just a few seconds, providing a non-invasive way to assess brain health. Since the blood vessels in the eye mirror those in the brain, subtle changes in their structure may indicate early signs of neurodegeneration.
A research team from City St George’s, University of London, led by Professor Chris Owen, used Quartz to analyse eye scans from over 63,000 people aged 40 to 69. They found that specific patterns of twisting and narrowing in retinal blood vessels were linked to lower scores on cognitive tests measuring memory, reaction time, and intelligence. The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia and funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK, suggest that reduced blood supply in the brain could be an early sign—or even a contributing factor—of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Professor Owen highlighted the potential for Quartz to be seamlessly integrated into high street opticians, offering a quick, affordable, and non-invasive method to flag individuals at risk of dementia. David Thomas, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, called the approach a potential "gamechanger" when combined with existing diagnostic tools. However, he noted that the technique is still years away from public use, and only individuals who specifically request the test would undergo screening. If effective treatments for dementia become available in the future, early detection through eye scans could play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive timely support and intervention.
