High street opticians could use AI to spot dementia risk with eye scan.

Author: Robin McKie | Source: Yahoo News | Read the full article

High street opticians may soon have the ability to identify individuals at risk of dementia through routine eye exams. Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool called Quartz, which analyzes eye scans to detect specific patterns in the blood vessels of the retina. These patterns can indicate early signs of cognitive decline, allowing opticians to flag potential risks during regular check-ups.

The study, conducted by scientists at City St George's, University of London, involved over 63,000 participants aged 40 to 69. The researchers found that certain characteristics of retinal blood vessels were linked to lower cognitive test scores, suggesting that changes in these vessels could be related to brain health. This non-invasive method could provide a quick and cost-effective way to assess individuals for neurodegenerative conditions.

Experts believe that integrating this technology into everyday eye care could revolutionize how we detect early signs of dementia. While there are currently no cures for such conditions, having a reliable screening method could help identify those in need of support and treatment as new therapies become available in the future.

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