A study conducted by the UPV/EHU and Biobizkaia has shown that a method commonly used for ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s patients. The study found that neurodegeneration in the retina may precede cognitive impairment in these patients. While the technique still requires some confirmation for clinical use and improvements in resolution, the results are promising for predicting the progression of Parkinson’s disease and identifying patients at risk for cognitive decline.
Neurologists face challenges in predicting the progression of Parkinson’s disease in patients, as the disease can vary widely in its effects. Some patients may experience no changes over time, while others may develop dementia or mobility issues. The ability to predict cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s patients is crucial for improving clinical treatments and conducting effective clinical trials. By measuring the thickness of the retina, researchers hoped to identify early signs of deterioration and predict the future progression of the disease in patients.
The study focused on measuring the thickness of the innermost layer of the retina in a cohort of Parkinson’s patients using optical coherence tomography. This non-invasive and highly accurate imaging technique allowed researchers to track the progression of neurodegeneration in the retina over a six-year period. The results showed that the retinal layer was significantly thinner in Parkinson’s patients compared to individuals without the disease. The analysis of retinal images was also confirmed in a UK hospital, providing additional validation for the findings.
Researchers observed that the greatest neurodegeneration in the retina occurred during the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progressed, a stabilizing effect on the neurodegeneration process was noted, with a slower loss of retinal layer thickness associated with faster cognitive decline in patients. This suggests that changes in the retina precede cognitive and motor impairments in Parkinson’s patients, highlighting the potential of retinal imaging as a predictive tool for disease progression.
The non-invasive nature of retinal imaging makes it a valuable tool for monitoring neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, and the researchers emphasize the importance of validating the results internationally. By improving the resolution of the imaging technology, the method could potentially be used in clinical settings to track the progression of the disease more effectively. Continued research on additional patient cohorts and securing funding for further studies will be essential in advancing the use of retinal imaging as a predictive tool for monitoring Parkinson’s disease progression.