Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK are training an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm that could detect signs of dementia in a single scan.
The scientists involved in the project hope that this machine learning and AI system will be able to provide early diagnosis to patients, and thus prevent complications. In addition, it would also significantly reduce costs for the patient, by performing only a brain scan.
Dr. Timothy Rittman, a researcher and neurologist at the university, is leading the research, calling it a "fantastic development." He highlighted the importance of providing patients diagnosed with dementia with the necessary and pertinent information so that they know the progression of their disease.
The model is planned for its first trial in a real clinical setting. Around 500 patients from Addenbrooke Hospital and other specialist clinics will test the algorithm to detect patterns of dementia through a scan.
"If we intervene early, treatments can start early and slow the progression of the disease while preventing further damage," said Professor Zoe Kourtzi, from the University of Cambridge, an AI expert.
Dr. Laura Phipps, from Alzheimer's Research UK, explained that doctors usually have to rely on the interpretation of brain scans and cognitive tests, however, machine learning models have come to revolutionize these processes: "they could give doctors greater confidence in the interpretation of the scans, which would lead to a more accurate diagnosis for patients.”
