Retinal Fluorescence Features in Alzheimer's Disease: In Vivo Study Using Synchronous Scan and Emission Mapping

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves retinal changes that may serve as biomarkers, given the retina's connection to the brain via the visual cortex. Variability in AD research arises from methodological differences, patient diversity, and evolving hypotheses. This study explores AD progression and complexity using synchronous and emission map fluorescence spectroscopy of retinas from rats administered aluminum chloride for 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Elevated retinal amyloid-beta (Aβ-40 and Aβ-42) levels suggest similar pathological changes as in the brain. In synchronous spectra, excessive or insufficient levels of structural proteins can enhance retinal dysfunction or disease, while emission map spectra revealed enhanced photosensitivity due to increased porphyrins over time (AD-6 to AD-12 weeks).