News & Events

Retina reveals early signs of silent brain damage

12 August, 2010

CERA researchers have discovered a non-invasive method of detecting ‘silent' brain damage by looking deep into the eyes.  

 

Silent brain infarcts, or ‘mini-strokes,' are caused by blocked blood supply to the brain. The damage, which is linked to an increased risk of stroke and dementia, has no symptoms and, until now, could only be detected using an MRI scan.

 

The study found that people with abnormalities in their retina, located at the back of the eye, were up to three times more likely to develop silent brain infarct during the 10 year study than people without abnormalities.  

 

Research Fellow Dr Danny Cheung said the findings suggest that a person's risk of developing silent brain infarct, and its associated conditions, could be assessed using retinal imaging.

 

"Research shows that silent brain infarct is related to small vessel damage in the brain and its presence doubles the risk of stroke and dementia," Dr Cheung said.

 

"Until now, there's been no easy way to evaluate the likelihood that a person will develop silent brain infarct."

 

"Through our study, we've discovered a unique, non-invasive way to view the health of the brain and detect damage before it shows up on brain scans or causes clinical symptoms." 

 

Dr Cheung hopes that one day, this simple test will be readily available to people who are at a high risk of stroke and dementia due to family history or other factors.

 

"The test could be an early warning to people with retinal abnormalities to better control risk factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol, to help prevent silent brain infarct," Dr Cheung said.  

 

Researchers assessed the retinal photographs and MRIs of 810 middle-aged patients over a ten year period. People with abnormalities were found to have a two to three times higher risk of developing silent brain infarct within the next decade. 

 

 

Lauren Metcalfe

Communications Officer