Deep Learning Retina Tool to Find Early Alzheimer’s
Official title: Deep Learning-Based Retinal Imaging Screening Tool for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11391547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-based retinal imaging tool aims to help identify people at risk for Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear using a quick, noninvasive eye scan.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,917 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087633-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for Alzheimer’s or with concerns about preclinical AD who are undergoing retinal imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors or imaging data may not benefit from this specific tool.
What this research studies
This project uses deep learning to analyze routine eye photos and detect signs linked to early Alzheimer’s disease. By focusing on the retina, the researchers hope to find biomarkers that reflect brain changes without expensive or invasive tests. If successful, the tool could be used in clinics to flag individuals who may benefit from earlier monitoring or intervention. The study will build and test AI methods on retinal images from adults, with attention to image quality and real-world usability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the tool works, it could enable earlier identification of people at risk for Alzheimer’s through a simple eye exam.
How similar studies have gone: Deep learning approaches have improved retinal image analysis for other conditions and show promise for AD-related biomarkers in the retina.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yalin — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yalin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.