Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.

The Beth Israel Hospital Association

Applied Science Group, Inc.

Leonard Scinto

Kirk R Daffner

Robert Sinclair

The present invention provides non-invasive methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a living human subject. One method employs a non-invasive automated apparatus which can continuously monitor pupil diameter size over time; repetitively measure pupil diameter size over time for a pre-chosen duration ranging from about less than 1 second to about 5 minutes; and cumulatively record size information as it is obtained over time. A second method employs an apparatus which can repetitively measure pupil constriction velocity for a pre-chosen duration both before and after stimulation by visible light. Both methods require the administration of at least one neural transmitter mediator to a targeted eye of the living subject in an amount insufficient to cause marked changes in pupil diameter size over time in a person who is not afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. The marked hypersensitivity of an Alzheimer's dementia patient to the administered neural transmitter mediator serves as the means for identifying individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Non-invasive method for diagnosing alzheimer's disease in a patient

Non-invasive method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a patient

The invention features a non-invasive method for diagnosing bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a mammal, e.g., a cow. The method entails measuring changes in pupil area in response to a neurotransmitter agonist or antagonist applied to the eye.

Methods for diagnosing bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Non-invasive method for diagnosing Alzeheimer's disease in a patient

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Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Leonard Scinto