Ready for Lift Off: The Cornea is the Window to the Brain

In the quest for transformative health care solutions, the Innovarium Launchpad is providing seed funding to moonshot thinkers within Providence Health Care (PHC). Among the exciting initiatives receiving support is a new project focused on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), led by Dr. Sonia N. Yeung from the PHC Department of Ophthalmology, and supported by a dedicated team of experts committed to tackling a growing health crisis. 

Addressing a Critical Challenge 

Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, is expected to affect nearly 1 million Canadians by 2030, with projections soaring to over 1.7 million by 2050. The urgency for effective early diagnostic tools is paramount; once clinical symptoms appear, therapeutic interventions often come too late. Traditional diagnostic methods are invasive and costly, leaving many without timely care. 

“Our innovation centers on developing a novel corneal imaging technology,” explains Dr. Yeung, “This non-invasive, cost-effective approach aims to detect biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease earlier, allowing for timely intervention and potentially slowing disease progression.” 

Advancing Diagnostics with Corneal Imaging 

Current diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s rely heavily on invasive brain imaging and tests, which are not universally accessible. In contrast, the cornea offers a unique and readily available alternative for imaging. Dr. Yeung’s project will employ state-of-the-art 3D optical coherence microscopy to capture and catalog corneal images, establishing a “corneal signature” that correlates with various stages of Alzheimer’s. 

The hypothesis was born of the idea that the eye and brain share similar cellular and molecular characteristics. By studying the rich neural network within the cornea, researchers hope to uncover valuable insights into neural damage associated with Alzheimer’s, offering a more accessible and less invasive diagnostic tool. 

Impact on Healthcare and Quality of Life 

With over 55 million individuals affected by neurocognitive disorders globally, the financial burden of care is staggering, amounting to an estimated $1.3 trillion annually. Women disproportionately bear this burden, both as patients and as primary caregivers. The team’s goal is to develop a portable imaging system that enhances diagnostic accuracy, which would in turn help reduce the strain on caregivers and ultimately improve the quality of life for patients and their families. 

The technology could offer a safe, non-invasive complement to current diagnostic methods. By enabling early diagnosis, we can facilitate timely management of the disease, alleviating some of the burden on families and health care systems alike. 

Current Development Stage and Future Aspirations 

Currently in its design phase, the project team is collaborating with biomedical engineers to refine the corneal imaging system and validate the technology before advancing to clinical trials. 

The ultimate vision is to create a diagnostic tool that serves as a “window to the brain.” This innovation not only aims to improve early detection of Alzheimer’s but also positions itself as a critical resource for understanding various brain diseases. 

By capturing corneal signatures, Dr. Yeung and her team can change how we detect and manage neurocognitive disorders. The goal is to ensure that timely care reaches all populations, including those in remote and underserved communities. 

Looking Forward 

Providence is leading the way in finding early diagnostic solutions for Alzheimer’s. In addition to Dr. Yeung’s work, Dr. Mari DeMarco and her team at St. Paul’s Hospital have also been focusing on early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Through her IMPACT-AD study, Dr. DeMarco’s research has advanced a novel biomarker testing program, helping physicians identify Alzheimer’s earlier through cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This initiative complements other innovative approaches, providing additional insights into how early diagnosis can optimize care and improve outcomes for individuals living with Alzheimer's. 

The Innovarium Launchpad is dedicated to supporting transformative health care innovations like this one as we transition to our new chapter at the New St. Paul’s Hospital and the Clinical Support & Research Centre. As the project progresses, it is expected to pave the way for advancements in diagnostic technology, leading to enhanced patient care and fostering a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. 

This project has been supported by Innovarium, Providence Health Care’s innovation engine that connects people, systems, infrastructure, and partners to accelerate health innovation.