2023-08-27 05:28:23
Title: AI-powered Eye Scan Could Detect Parkinson’s Disease Years in Advance, Study Finds
By: Judith Brown
Date: August 27, 2023, 5:28 a.m
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Parkinson’s patients have certain abnormalities in their eyes. With the help of AI, these could serve as indications of the disease.
Parkinson’s is a neurological disease in which a small part of the brain responsible for motor skills is deprived of sufficient dopamine. The disease affects both the balance and coordination of those affected. Typical symptoms are tremors and stiffness. As researchers have now discovered, impending Parkinson’s disease can be recognized years before it breaks out not only through symptoms, but also with the help of an eye scan.
Parkinson’s can be seen in the eyes up to seven years in advance
In their study, scientists from University College Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in England looked for possible signs of Parkinson’s in the eyes of patients. Because in earlier autopsies, a thinning of the inner nuclear layer of the retina was found in those affected. In order to look for this abnormality, the clinical pictures of patients who were already ill and people who were proven to be healthy were entered into a database and compared with one another using AI.
The researchers recorded a detailed cross-section of the retina using what is known as optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this way, they received extremely high-resolution images that the AI can quickly examine for possible irregularities and indications. In the event of abnormalities, a doctor can then react, examine them more closely and act if necessary.
Parkinson’s: Screening method could predict disease risk in the future
According to lead author Dr. Siegfried Wagner, the scientists hope that the method could soon become a pre-screening tool for people at risk of the disease. Because a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, enough exercise, and low stress helps to delay the onset of an illness. In this way, those affected could make changes in good time. Similar to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s can also be recognized by the eyes – long before dementia symptoms appear.
Recognizing Parkinson’s early: 13 symptoms can sometimes announce the disease years in advance
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Disclaimer: This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.]
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