Before Parkinson’s disease is revealed, characteristic changes appear at the fundus of the eyes – this was the conclusion of scientists from University College London in a study conducted on rats.
According to the scientists led by prof. Francesca Cordeiro, the same may be true for humans. The fundus examination can be a cheap and non-invasive way to detect Parkinson’s disease early, before the typical symptoms appear. The treatment is then much more effective.
Parkinson’s disease affects one in 500 people and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world after Alzheimer’s disease. It does not lead directly to death, but the patient’s condition gradually worsens – tremors and muscle stiffness appear, movements become slower, and the quality of life decreases. These symptoms usually occur after the brain cells are damaged.