According to new research, changes in eye movements may reveal early signs of memory loss.

A recent study has shown that shifts in the way our eyes move could be used to detect memory and cognitive problems at an early stage. Building on previous research, scientists identified differences in “gaze patterns” between individuals with and without diagnosed brain health issues. Both younger and older participants took part in the study. Some had conditions affecting memory or cognitive function. Eye tracking tests conducted on volunteers revealed that people with weaker memory tended to focus on more limited areas of images and displayed less varied gaze patterns.

May shed light on early signs of dementia
The study concluded that these natural gaze responses to visual stimuli are closely linked to memory function. Researchers believe that changes in eye movements may be connected to disruptions in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. They suggest that these findings could pave the way for a simple and cost effective method for the early diagnosis of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

September 2025