Eye-tracking technology offers a cheaper alternative to expensive medical procedures for diagnosing genetic tendency towards Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. The study examined whether the technology could identify people with a genetic predisposition years before symptoms appear.
Research involving the University of Strathclyde tested a system called ViewMind Atlas, which uses eye-tracking and software to provide functional analysis of brain health. The technology achieved 100% accuracy for patients already displaying symptoms and 96% accuracy for those who were asymptomatic.
Participants in the research were drawn from extended families in Colombia. An eye-tracking AI model helped distinguish between groups of people according to the presence or possibility of Alzheimer's disease.
Superior accuracy to traditional tests
The study found the tests are more accurate than traditional cognitive tests, which often do not detect Alzheimer's until symptoms become more apparent. Current diagnostic approaches present significant limitations for early detection.
Lead author Professor Mario Parra Rodriguez explained the advantages: "Most of the diagnostic approaches used in dementia are expensive and invasive, because they require injection of chemical radiotracers or extraction of fluids from the body that normally require hospital settings."
Clinical applications and early intervention
The ViewMind Atlas system could help doctors make crucial early decisions about patient care. "ViewMind Atlas is helping us to predict Alzheimer's dementia in people years before it becomes symptomatic," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez highlighted the practical challenges doctors face: "Doctors will receive people who are probably not yet at the stage of dementia, but they are noticing that something is going on and may have a family history. One of the greatest puzzles that providers face is to decide what the potential problem could be; is it age-related forgetfulness and not necessarily dementia?"
The technology could enable prompt action rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. "Or do these cognitive problems point towards a risk of dementia in the future, so that they could act promptly rather than waiting until the person is symptomatic?" Rodriguez added.
Expert welcomes breakthrough
Alzheimer Scotland welcomed the research findings and emphasised the importance of early detection. Director of policy and research Alison McKean said the charity supports having "a reliable and non-invasive tool to identify people with an inherited form of Alzheimer's disease."
McKean outlined the broader benefits: "Slowing the progress of Alzheimer's disease with early and accurate detection and treatment will mean that people can live independently for longer, reducing the demand on our health and social care systems. It can also give those affected time to prepare and plan for the future."
She emphasised the personal impact: "But, more importantly, it will mean that people will be healthier for longer - they will have more time to do the things which matter to them in their lives."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
