Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has launched a federally funded research project to develop a new screening tool for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The initiative, supported by a five-year, $3.3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, focuses on using an eye drop and noninvasive scanner to identify signs of Alzheimer's in its earliest stages.
"We're looking for early-stage patients who don't have symptoms," said Lei Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering at OHSU School of Medicine and leader of the project. "The goal is to develop population-level screening involving a simple eye drop and a quick scan."
Wang's team aims to create an eye drop that detects the fluorescent signal of amyloid proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. This would be paired with advanced retinal imaging technology to capture these signals noninvasively.
The approach could allow for broad, low-cost screenings not limited to specialized centers. Wang stated, "It would be low-cost and accessible, not limited to major cities like Portland or Seattle."
Current methods for detecting amyloid plaques rely on brain imaging techniques that are expensive and impractical for widespread screening among people without symptoms. The new method proposes using a fluorescence-based molecule in an eye drop form to reveal amyloid buildup through the retina, which shares direct connections with the brain.
"The retina is a neural sensory extension of the brain," Wang explained. "If we can detect a buildup of amyloid in the retina, it may be possible to flag early-stage Alzheimer's among patients who aren't yet experiencing any symptoms. That's the foundation of this project."
Those identified through retinal screening could then be referred for further neurological evaluation and imaging.
Wang will work with several co-investigators: Yifan Jian, Ph.D., associate professor specializing in retinal imaging; Nora Gray, Ph.D., associate professor focused on Alzheimer's models; Summer Gibbs, Ph.D., expert in clinical translation of fluorescent agents; and Randy Woltjer, M.D., Ph.D., director at OHSU's Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center.
The first phase involves developing and testing the safety and effectiveness of the fluorescent agent in animal models before moving into human trials.
"We're always thinking about how this can be useful for patients," Wang said. "The long-term vision is something that is accurate, affordable, and available in many communities, not only at large academic centers."
