Alzheimer's disease and the visual system

Ten million baby boomers in the United States will get Alzheimer's disease. Public health professionals can benefit from understanding the impact this neurodegenerative disease has on the visual system. This would result in more effective management of the condition and in more effective communication between providers within the neurodegenerative disease multidisciplinary team. Biomarkers through the visual system; nerve fiber deficits, lens opacities, retinal findings related to amyloid, as well as functional losses in eye movement, pupil response, contrast sensitivity and motion cognitive processing of visual information are important in disease diagnosis and management. Contributions from clinicians, rehabilitation specialists and public health providers with clinical expertise in vision can contribute to a higher quality of life for those with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Attendees will be able to identify biomarkers in the visual system that are part of the Alzheimer's disease process.

Introduction and demographics I. Alzheimer's Disease A. Brain pathology B. Retina 1. Amyloid deposit 2. Macula a. APOE genetics 3. RGC 4. Imaging a. Direct b. Optical Coherence Tomography c. Enhanced Imaging Research C. Lens 1. Amyloid deposit 2. Acetyl Choline Esterase Inhibitors D. Functional deficits 1. Contrast 2. Motion 3. Temporal processing 4. Pupil response