Functional and morphological alterations of light detection circuits in postmortem retina from donors with different stages of Alzheimer’s-like pathology

Jun 9, 2026Communications biology

Changes in light-sensing eye circuits and structure in donor retinas at different stages of Alzheimer’s-like disease

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Abstract

A severe loss of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) was observed in Alzheimer's disease patients.

  • No impairment of rods and cones was detected in the retinas of Alzheimer's disease patients.
  • Remaining ipRGCs showed significant morphological changes and hyperexcitability.
  • The ability of ipRGCs to sustain high levels of activation was compromised.
  • These alterations in ipRGCs may vary according to the severity of Alzheimer's pathology.
  • Disrupted ipRGC circuits could be linked to sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in Alzheimer's patients.
  • Measuring ipRGC-dependent light responses may help predict or monitor brain changes associated with Alzheimer's.

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