Alzheimer Detection Research

Retinal Observation for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) encompass a group of disorders marked by the progressive deterioration of the structure and function of the nervous system. This category includes well-known conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, and others. The societal impact of these diseases is profound and multifaceted, affecting individuals, families, healthcare systems, and economies on a global scale. A major gap in the field of neurodegenerative diseases — particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD) — is the absence of a diagnostic tool that can reliably and non-invasively track disease progression over time.

Two Parallel Development Paths (ROADs):

1. Creation of a Super-Resolution Ophthalmoscope.

   A cutting-edge device capable of capturing in-vivo human retinal morphology at a resolution of 300 nanometers.

2. Development and Preclinical Testing of BT1.

   A targeted ligand for the TAU protein, named BT1 (patent filed), is designed for precise delivery and detection.

Impact

The development of a diagnostic tool that is objective, cost-effective, and minimally invasive would represent a transformative advancement in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Such a tool could revolutionize early detection, disease monitoring, and treatment evaluation—ultimately improving patient outcomes and accelerating research toward effective therapies.

By integrating the BT1 ligand with the ROAD imaging system, we aim to detect protein aggregations associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative approach holds the potential to enable diagnosis up to 20 years before the onset of cognitive symptoms.

This project is being conducted through a collaboration between D-Tails Srl SB, IIT, and La Sapienza University.

Learn more at ROAD Project: https://roadproject.eu/