Eye movements could show risk of serious condition years before symptoms appear

Eye-tracking technology can provide a cheaper alternative to diagnosing a genetic tendency towards Alzheimer’s disease than 'expensive and invasive' medical procedures, a study has found.

Research involving the University of Strathclyde examined the effectiveness of the technology using eye movements powered by artificial intelligence to identify people who have a genetic tendency towards the disease, years before any symptoms show.

A system called ViewMind Atlas, which uses eye-tracking and software to provide functional analysis of brain health, was examined by the study.

The system was used to detect carriers of a mutation and was 100% accurate for those who were already displaying symptoms, with 96% accuracy for those who were asymptomatic.

Participants in the research were drawn from extended families in Colombia. An eye-tracking AI model was used to help distinguish between groups of people according to the presence or possibility of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found the tests are more accurate than traditional cognitive tests, which often do not detect Alzheimer’s until its symptoms become more apparent.

Lead author Professor Mario Parra Rodriguez said: "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.

"ViewMind Atlas is helping us to predict Alzheimer’s dementia in people years before it becomes symptomatic. 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? 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?"

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are often confused, but they are actually quite different. Dementia is an umbrella term that includes various syndromes, such as Alzheimer's disease. This means Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, but dementia as a whole cannot be classified as a type of Alzheimer's.

NHS figures shows that over 944,000 people in the UK live with dementia, with approximately one in 11 people over age 65 affected. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form, comprising roughly 60 to 70% of cases, as reported by the World Health Organisation.

Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, with symptoms gradually emerging over time. Usually, the initial signs include mild memory problems, such as forgetting names or conversations.

Nonetheless, as the condition progresses, the NHS indicates that further signs could emerge, such as:

• Hallucinations
• Difficulties with communication, speech or language
• Trouble making decisions
• Confusion, disorientation or getting lost in familiar places
• Low moods and anxiety
• Behavioural changes - increasing aggression or suspicion
• Problems moving around without assistance

Advice from the NHS adds: "There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer's live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it's easier to move around and remember daily tasks.

"Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem-solving skills and language ability."

Anyone displaying symptoms of Alzheimer's disease should see their GP. The NHS website also provides additional information.