Hyperspectral imaging for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Inventors
Vince, Robert • More, Swati Sudhakar
Assignees
University of Minnesota System
Publication Number
US-12329457-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Expiration Date
2032-12-10
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Abstract
Described herein is the use of a visible near infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging system as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also described herein is the use of a VNIR hyperspectral imaging system in high throughput screening of potential therapeutics against AD.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related amyloidopathies using visible near infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI). This method involves obtaining spectral data from light reflected by eye tissue, such as the retina, of a subject. The spectral data are analyzed over multiple light bands within a broad wavelength range to determine whether there are spectral differences indicative of amyloid aggregate formation, which signals the presence or predisposition of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, even before overt pathological symptoms or plaque formation occur.
Current detection methods for AD can only identify the disease after cognitive symptoms appear and β-amyloid plaques have formed. There is a lack of tools to detect AD at an early stage, prior to morphological brain or retina changes. The patent addresses this problem by enabling detection of early spectral differences associated with amyloid aggregation—at a soluble stage—allowing for diagnosis well before traditional markers like plaques or tissue damage are observable.
In addition to diagnosis, the HSI-based method is employed for high-throughput screening of candidate therapeutics against AD. By comparing hyperspectral images before and after treatment, the method assesses the decrease in spectral features indicative of amyloid aggregation, thereby evaluating the effectiveness of treatments or inhibitor compounds. The HSI approach does not require invasive procedures or the addition of dyes, and makes use of harmless wavelength regions suitable for repeated, non-invasive measurements.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents five main inventive features across its independent claims, which relate to the non-invasive detection, monitoring, and screening of amyloidopathy and amyloidosis using hyperspectral imaging.
Non-invasive detection of amyloidopathy or amyloidosis using spectral data from eye tissue
A method comprising: - Obtaining spectral data over a range of wavelengths from light reflected by an eye tissue of a subject using one or more detectors of a spectral imaging system. - Analyzing the spectral data at multiple light bands to determine whether it is indicative of a formation of amyloid aggregates. - Determining that the presence of these aggregates is indicative of amyloidopathy or amyloidosis or predisposition in a subject.
Determining treatment effectiveness through changes in amyloid aggregates using spectral imaging
A method for assessing whether a treatment is effective by: - Obtaining spectral data over a range of wavelengths from light reflected by eye tissue. - Analyzing spectral data at multiple light bands to determine whether treatment causes a decrease in the formation of amyloid aggregates that are indicative of amyloidopathy or amyloidosis. - Interpreting a decrease in formation as a sign of effective treatment.
Screening test compounds for effects on amyloid aggregation via spectral changes
A method for determining whether a test compound affects amyloid aggregation, comprising: - Contacting a cell comprising amyloid aggregates with a test compound. - Obtaining spectral data over a range of wavelengths from light reflected by the cell. - Analyzing the spectral data at multiple light bands to determine if the test compound affects the amyloid aggregates in the cell.
Comparative detection of amyloidopathy or amyloidosis via longitudinal spectral data analysis
A method for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed for developing amyloidopathy/amyloidosis by: - Obtaining spectral data from light reflected by eye tissue. - Comparing current spectral data to at least a first previous spectral data from the subject at an earlier point in time. - Determining that differences indicate the subject has or is predisposed for developing amyloidopathy or amyloidosis.
Comparative detection using control and disorder reference spectral data
A method for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed for developing amyloidopathy/amyloidosis by: - Obtaining spectral data from light reflected by eye tissue. - Comparing the subject’s spectral data to control spectral data and disorder reference spectral data. - Determining that spectral differences are indicative of amyloidopathy or amyloidosis or predisposition thereof.
In summary, the independent claims cover non-invasive detection, monitoring progression, and screening of amyloid-related disorders by analyzing hyperspectral data obtained from eye tissue, with inventive steps in analysis, comparison, and application to treatment and compound screening.
Stated Advantages
Enables very early detection of Alzheimer's disease and amyloidopathies before traditional morphological or cognitive symptoms appear.
Provides a non-invasive diagnostic method that does not require administration of external agents or dyes, reducing risk and complexity.
Allows for monitoring treatment effectiveness by measuring decreases in spectral markers of amyloid aggregates.
Facilitates high-throughput screening of therapeutic compounds with increased sensitivity and without extraneous reagents.
Employs wavelength regions that are harmless to human tissues, making the technology safe for repeated use.
Can be commercialized with relatively low financial and regulatory barriers since no substances are introduced into the patient.
Documented Applications
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease in humans by analyzing spectral data from retinal tissue via hyperspectral imaging.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments for Alzheimer's disease by monitoring spectral changes in retinal tissue.
High-throughput in vitro and in vivo screening of test compounds for their effects on amyloid aggregation.
Detection and diagnosis of other disorders associated with amyloidopathy or amyloidosis, including cerebral amyloid angiopathy, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, prolactinoma, and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
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