Using eye scans to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Validation of Lens Beta-Amyloid as a Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease at the Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10934601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new eye scanner that can safely and easily check for early signs of Alzheimer's disease by looking for a specific marker in your eye, helping to catch the condition before symptoms start and allowing for earlier treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $811,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077588-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with genetic predispositions such as the APOE-ε4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any risk factors for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive eye scanner that can detect beta-amyloid, a key biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, in the lens of the eye. By identifying this biomarker early, before cognitive symptoms appear, the research aims to facilitate timely intervention and treatment. The approach utilizes a novel device that has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, making it a promising alternative to current invasive and expensive methods like PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Patients will be assessed for the presence of Alzheimer's-related pathology through this innovative technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accessible detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely treatment and better management of the condition.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's, but this specific approach using eye scans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldstein, Lee E. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Goldstein, Lee E.
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.