Investigating retinal changes to detect Alzheimer's disease early
Official title: Characterizing Retinal Tissue Oxygenation, Structure, and Function in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10756985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, gentle way to spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease by checking the health of the eye's retina, which could help people at risk get the care they need before symptoms show up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG079794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10756985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease due to age or family history.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research as it focuses on early detection.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive method to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by examining the retina. Researchers will analyze retinal tissue oxygenation, structure, and function to identify biomarkers that indicate the risk of AD before cognitive symptoms appear. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to current invasive diagnostic methods. This approach could help in monitoring disease progression and tailoring treatments for individuals at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using retinal imaging to detect neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for Alzheimer's detection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arthur, Edmund — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Arthur, Edmund
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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.