Could something as simple as an eye exam help detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms emerge? This is the question researchers at the University of Rhode Island are currently investigating. 

According to the Providence Journal, the test would use non-invasive instruments to scan the eye searching for biomarkers and could be conducted in most ophthalmic practices. Previously only expensive PET Scans could detect these biomarkers. 

Numerous studies have shown that treating Alzheimer’s early can dramatically slow the progression of the disease. Making the screening process cheaper, easier and less invasive should greatly increase early detection rates, and get at-risk people into treatment regimens early enough for them to have some beneficial effects. 

More research is needed before the test begins showing up at your local eye doctors’ office, but it could be a sea change for how we diagnose and attack the disease.