G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
A groundbreaking innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) is being developed by Scottish researchers to transform routine eye examinations into a diagnostic tool for detecting dementia at its earliest stages. This cutting-edge AI tool, spearheaded by the NeurEYE research team, has the potential to reshape how neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's are identified, providing hope for millions worldwide.
The retina, located at the back of the eye, offers a unique view into a person’s overall brain health. Using photographs taken during standard eye exams, the AI technology analyzes the retina’s intricate network of blood vessels, identifying subtle signs of neurodegeneration that may precede visible symptoms of dementia. By detecting changes in these vessels, scientists aim to diagnose conditions earlier than ever before, allowing for timely intervention and care.
The NeurEYE project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, has amassed nearly a million eye scans, creating the largest dataset of its kind globally. This extensive database supports the development of a powerful AI algorithm designed to assess retinal health and predict potential brain-related changes. The technology could soon be integrated into high-street optician practices, bringing early dementia diagnosis to communities worldwide.
Professor Baljean Dhillon, co-lead of the NeurEYE team and a Clinical Ophthalmology expert at the University of Edinburgh, highlights the groundbreaking nature of this innovation. "The retina holds a wealth of information and serves as a biological barometer for brain health," he explains. "With simple, affordable equipment available in opticians, we can now harness retinal images to potentially predict future brain changes."
Dementia, a condition that disrupts memory, thinking, and communication, affects one in 14 people over the age of 65, and one in six over the age of 80, according to Dementia UK. While there is no known cure, early diagnosis offers a critical advantage, enabling patients and their families to access treatments, adapt, and prepare for the progression of the disease.
For individuals like David Steele, whose mother suffered from Alzheimer’s, the importance of early detection is deeply personal. Steele recalls how a delayed diagnosis compounded his family's challenges. "If the link had been made earlier, my father could have had a better quality of life, and we could have prepared for my mother’s decline more effectively," he shared. His story underscores the life-changing potential of predictive technology in mitigating the impact of dementia.
Specialist optometrist Ian Cameron emphasizes the eye’s unique ability to reveal systemic health conditions. From vascular diseases and diabetes to neurological disorders, the eye serves as a critical window into overall health. "With advancements like this, we can detect conditions earlier, leading to improved outcomes," Cameron explains, urging everyone to prioritize regular eye examinations.
The NeurEYE team aims to introduce a prototype later this year, with plans for widespread adoption across opticians by 2026. This innovation represents a significant step toward integrating AI into preventive healthcare, offering a powerful tool to combat dementia and improve lives worldwide.
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