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According to a report by the BBC, new technology is making strides in early brain health detection by analyzing retinal images to provide precise indicators of brain condition. Using advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence can identify signs of neurological diseases in their early stages, even before clear symptoms emerge.
The project, called "NeurEYE," draws from a vast database containing around one million retinal images collected from various clinics across Scotland, making it the largest of its kind in the world.
This technology is groundbreaking due to its ability to assess the health of the tiny blood vessels in the eye, which are considered a window to detecting neurodegenerative diseases. The small blood vessels in the retina can reveal disease signals at an early stage, enhancing early diagnosis and potentially preventing the progression of these conditions.
Experts are emphasizing the importance of this innovation in the field of neurology. Professor Baljean Dillon, the project leader from the University of Edinburgh, referred to the retina as a "treasure trove of information" and a "vital sign of brain health." He explained that the technology relies on simple equipment that can be used in any routine eye clinic to detect future brain changes.
Ian Cameron, an ophthalmology specialist, stressed that the eye is a window to the whole body, as it can reveal a variety of diseases, including heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, and neurological conditions.
Early diagnosis has proven to be crucial in improving the lives of families affected by dementia. David Steele, a retired mechanical engineer whose family was impacted by Alzheimer's, pointed out that early detection could have spared his family years of suffering. He shared that his mother’s vision problems, due to macular degeneration, delayed the recognition of her underlying neurological condition. Steele emphasized that early diagnosis could have significantly changed the life of his father, who bore the responsibility of caring for his mother.
The research team hopes to have a prototype of this technology ready later this year and to expand its use in clinics by 2026. In this context, experts recommend an eye exam at least every two years, as regular screenings can help detect diseases in their earliest stages, greatly improving health outcomes.