AI tool predicts Alzheimer's disease onset better than clinical trials. Here is how it works

Researchers at Cambridge University in the UK have shown that an Artificial Intelligence model created by them can predict whether people with early signs of dementia will remain stable or develop Alzheimer’s disease. The AI model managed to make accurate predictions in four out of five cases, which is three times better than in clinical trials.

How significant is use of AI in predicting Alzheimer's and dementia onset?

Costly and often dangerous procedures are requited to detect dementia and Alzheimer's. Non-invasive methods like this AI tool will help in avoiding misdiagnosis.

The Cambridge team said in a release that the new method "could reduce the need for invasive and costly diagnostic tests while improving treatment outcomes early when interventions such as lifestyle changes or new medicines may have a chance to work best."

Finding out Alzheimer's in earl stage can be crucial in its management and treatment.

How it was done: AI model predicts onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

The AI model was created using data cohort of some 400 patients in the US, from their cognitive tests and structural MRI scans showing grey matter atrophy, the Cambridge University release said.

The AI model distinguished between people with stable mild cognitive impairment and those who progressed to Alzheimer’s disease within a three-year period.It accurately identified individuals who went on to develop Alzheimer’s in 82% of cases. It also idenfitied those who didn’t develop symptoms in 81% from cognitive tests and an MRI scan alone.

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"We’ve created a tool which is much more sensitive than current approaches at predicting whether someone will progress from mild symptoms to Alzheimer’s," said Zoe Kourtzi of Cambridge University in the release.

What is Dementia? What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Dementia is a series of conditions involving memory loss, cognitive degeneration that affects more than 55 million people annually.

The main cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80% of cases.

(With inputs from agencies)