According to a recent study published in Acta Neuropathologica, the eye can be a useful source for detecting early signs of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders. The study found that analyzing the retina and optic nerve can provide insights into the nervous system and the brain. The research examined the retina and brain tissue samples donated by 86 people over a period of 14 years, including those with Alzheimer's disease and those with normal or mild cognitive functions. The study found a significant factor of Alzheimer's disease - beta-amyloid - in people with both Alzheimer's and early stages of mental impairment. The research also found that microglial cells, which help maintain and repair cells and clear beta-amyloid from the retina and brain, decreased by 80% in people with cognitive complications. The inflammation in cells and degeneration of tissues in the nearby retina help to predict cognitive status. The study suggests that eye tests can be helpful in early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders in people with no apparent symptoms.