Chronic infections cause Alzheimer’s. Findings in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients—plaque and tangles, abnormal proteins, and inflammation, are caused by pathogens and the response of the immune system. Chlamydia has been identified and cultured from Alzheimer’ brains, at the location of plaque and tangles, and inside microglia and immune cells. The microbiology of chronic chlamydia infection is consistent with the pathology found in Alzheimer’s brains.

Retinal scans (OCTA) can view small blood vessels and measure neuronal loss, in the back of the eye; and predict Alzheimer’s twenty years before symptoms develop. Findings on OCTA scans of the retina correspond to the degree of vascular and neuronal loss in Alzheimer’s patients, and the degree of plaque and tangles in the brain. Worsening OCTA scans correspond to worsening Alzheimer’s symptoms. Alzheimer’s patients often seek vision care, from a provider with access to a retinal scan. The OCTA is available, non-invasive, and takes ten minutes or less.

A retinal scan combined with an MIF or PCR blood test for chlamydia could reveal patients at the highest risk for Alzheimer’s; and be a cost-effective tool in screening for early Alzheimer’s.