Understanding how glial cells affect Alzheimer’s disease through eye imaging
Illuminating Glial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease with Optical Coherence Tomography
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11017771
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help clear a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease by using a special imaging technique to check the eyes, and it aims to see if changes in the eye can help spot Alzheimer’s early in people compared to those with other types of dementia and healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11017771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glial cells in clearing amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, using a non-invasive imaging technique called optical coherence tomography (OCT). By examining the retina, which is simpler in structure than other parts of the brain, researchers aim to identify specific changes in glial function that could indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s disease. The study will compare the retinal responses of individuals with Alzheimer’s, those with other types of dementia, and healthy adults to determine if these changes can serve as a reliable early diagnostic tool. If successful, this approach could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of dementia or are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Not a fit: Patients with forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer’s disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, low-cost, and non-invasive method for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques to assess brain health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BISSIG, DAVID PHILIP — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: BISSIG, DAVID PHILIP
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 below.