An eye-based Alzheimer’s disease test
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Routine eye exams could provide data to identify a patient’s disease risk earlier
Spotted: Dementia diagnoses appear to be increasing worldwide, most likely from a combination of ageing populations and improved awareness of the disease alongside strengthened diagnostic tools. In Canada, medical AI company RetiSpec uses commonly used eye exam images to diagnose Alzheimer’s “years before the emergence of clinical symptoms.”
The company uses artificial intelligence to analyse the data-rich images taken during routine eye exams. In a collaboration with University of Minnesota researchers, RetiSpec created the AI required to detect toxins that could lead to the development of Alzheimer’s.
The clinically validated test helps clinicians predict amyloid burden, something that scientists believe to be a crucial biomarker for the development of Alzheimer’s. Earlier detection of a patient’s risk of developing dementia provides more time for individuals to access new, preventive drugs and other care options. Most of the emerging dementia drugs are for the early stages of the disease, making accurate diagnoses essential for increasing the accessibility of options that could slow the progression of the disease.
RetiSpec’s technology is currently available for research use only, although the company is working towards commercialising the technology as soon as possible. Helping to bring the tests to market is a recent Series A financing round that raised $10 million USD. RetiSpec plans to put the funds towards making its detection capabilities available globally.
Part of that work involves participation in a study by the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (GAP). The study plans to examine more than 1,000 people, including substantial numbers from groups underrepresented in and underserved by traditional medical research. RetiSpec’s longer-term development goals include developing additional AI-powered diagnostics for other neurodegenerative diseases as well as examining the effects of a variety of therapies used to treat Alzheimer’s.
Written By: Keely Khoury