Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease, which means that its symptoms occur slowly. It is not yet known exactly what is the main cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, experts believe that this disease occurs because of the buildup of protein in the brain. This disease usually attacks those aged 65 years and above. Alzheimer's disease is characterised by memory loss, change in behaviour, and the loss of ability to think.

Not everyone with Alzheimer's know that they have the disease. This is because the symptoms are not too visible in the early phase of Alzheimer's. Usually, people with Alzheimer's can only survive for 4-8 years after being diagnosed. However, this can be changed if the patient is diagnosed faster and undergo treatment sooner.

Recently, in a study conducted by Boston Medical Center, a method for detecting Alzheimer's had been found. The researchers used eye fluids to determine beta-amyloid and tau protein levels. These two proteins are proteins that are always found in people with Alzheimer's. Both proteins make plaques in the brain that damage and kill nerve cells.

In their study, the researchers collected eye fluid samples from 80 patients who were going to undergo eye surgery and measured the levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in them. The results were then compared to the results of cognitive tests that have been undertaken before. The results showed that the levels of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the sample, although weak, were related to cognitive impairment in the subjects. The researchers further explained that this method was simpler and easier to live with, compared to the previous method which used cerebrospinal fluid.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Image Google Search

Source(s):

• Wright, L.M., Stein, T.D., Jun, G., et all (2019). Association of Cognitive Function with Amyloid-beta and Tau Proteins in the Vitreous Humor. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, DOI: 10.3233 / JAD-181104.
• Science Daily - Study finds a test of protein levels in the eye of the potential predictor of (future) Alzheimer's disease (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190318151724.htm, March 26, 2019.