Retinal biomarkers to detect early Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Novel Retinal Biomarker Development in Early Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11528290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests two new eye-based markers to identify Alzheimer’s early, using non-invasive eye imaging in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $405,955 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG096140-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 years and older who are at risk for or suspected to have Alzheimer’s disease and who can undergo eye imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not show the retinal changes being studied or may not benefit from early detection strategies.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether two retinal features can signal Alzheimer’s before traditional symptoms appear, using a non-invasive eye scan called Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. The researchers will quantify and validate retinal mid-peripheral capillary free zones and putative retinal gliosis as possible early indicators. If successful, these biomarkers could offer a cheaper, safer way to detect and monitor Alzheimer’s progression then follow-up care can be planned accordingly. The work builds on prior findings and aims to move from research observations toward practical, patient-friendly screening options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the biomarkers could enable earlier, less invasive screening for Alzheimer’s risk and allow timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has shown promise for retinal biomarkers in signaling early AD, but full validation is still needed.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.