MRI Can Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease With 98% Accuracy : By Derek Baine

A doctor and patient looking at a book


Science is taking a giant leap forward as machine-learning, artificial intelligence and other types of computer-generated intelligence are contributing a great deal to our knowledge of various diseases.  Finally, there is good news on the Alzheimer’s front.  A study which was published in the journal Nature found that a machine-learning MRI algorithm can predict whether a person has Alzheimer’s disease or not with a whopping 98% accuracy.  It can also differentiate between an early and late-staged Alzheimer’s patient with an accuracy of 79%.  The modeling was achieved on an MRI found in most hospitals.

 

Monterey, CA New Hope For Identifying Early Stage Alzheimer’s And Dementia

A nurse is helping an elderly woman to get out of her wheelchair.


There has been a dearth of good news on the Alzheimer’s front lately, but now researchers are saying Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a new use—detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Scientists can use AI tools that analyze typing speed, sleep patterns and speech to detect signs of dementia.  They can even use virtual assistants like Amazon Echo that can record the way we type, search the Internet and pay bills.   Cognitive changes can appear years before memory lapses become apparent so the use of AI is very hopeful.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s a terrible condition that can rock the whole family.  If you or a loved one are struggling with the disease, I encourage you to contact our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They are wonderful, caring people.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you are in distress, call 1-800-272-3900

https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-may-help-identify-patients-with-early-stage-dementia-11604329922?mod=djem10point