At the UAB School of Optometry, a trio of vision scientists is making waves in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Their groundbreaking work is not only pushing the boundaries of science but also offering hope to millions affected by this relentless condition.

Edmund Arthur, OD, PhD, FAAO, assistant professor: The Global Perspective Driven by the global impact of AD, Arthur’s research is both ambitious and crucial. “The public health burden of AD is global, extending beyond the United States,” Arthur notes. His work focuses on validating two novel retinal biomarkers for early AD detection: mid-peripheral capillary free zones and putative retinal gliosis. With a $408,375 grant from the NIA, Arthur aims to facilitate large-scale screening and referral of at-risk individuals for detailed cognitive health assessments. Collaborating with UAB’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program, and Oregon Health & Science University, Arthur emphasizes the importance of optometry in AD research. “Optometry can provide a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative for large-scale screening, potentially reducing the disease’s burden on society,” he explains.

Timothy Kraft, PhD, professor, associate dean for research: A Visionary Approach Kraft’s journey into AD research is rooted in a history of success. “I chose to research AD because of our historical success with a project linking deficits in retinal signaling with dementia,” he explains. His current work focuses on early changes in retinal function in AD mouse models. Kraft’s team has identified significant reductions in two retinal signaling pathways, providing specific synapses in the retina for further evaluation. “These findings give us specific synapses in the retina to evaluate using functional and histological methods,” he says. Supported by a $583,709 National Institute on Aging (NIA) grant, Kraft’s research holds promise for early detection in humans, potentially aiding in early planning and therapeutic trials.

Yuchen Wang, PhD, assistant professor: Molecular Insights Wang’s fascination with the molecular mechanisms of AD drives his research. “AD is one of the most important research areas in neuroscience and impacts millions of people’s health,” Wang states. His focus is on how Aβ, a key pathological protein in AD, disrupts nerve cell connections in the retina. Supported by a $322,211 grant from the NIA and National Eye Institute, Wang collaborates with colleagues in the School of Optometry and UAB’s Department of Cell Biology. He highlights the similarities between the retina and the brain, noting, “The retina is affected in AD in many ways similar to the brain. Its approachable nature and structural simplicity provide a significant advantage for research.” Wang’s work aims to uncover the pathological mechanisms of AD, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treating the disease.

A Collaborative Effort Together, Kraft, Arthur, and Wang are each bringing their unique expertise to the fight against AD. Their collaborative efforts and innovative research offer a beacon of hope for early detection, better understanding, and ultimately, a brighter future for those affected by this relentless disease. As these researchers continue to push the boundaries of science, their work not only advances our understanding of AD but also underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling one of the most challenging health issues of our time. Their dedication and groundbreaking discoveries