Advancement in early detection of dementia thanks to artificial intelligence

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid have achieved a significant breakthrough in the early detection of dementia in patients with mild cognitive decline, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This innovation could revolutionize the way this devastating disease is diagnosed and monitored. The study, in collaboration with a researcher from the University of Eastern Finland, revealed that patients with mild cognitive decline who have amyloid pathology at the beginning of the research tend to develop dementia at a faster rate compared to those who do not show evidence of this pathology. This finding underscores the importance of early identification of these pathologies to intervene effectively. The results also highlighted that a few neuropsychological tests may be sufficient to predict progression to dementia, eliminating the need for additional clinical tests. This simplification in the diagnostic process could facilitate the integration of AI into clinical practice, allowing for faster and more accurate detection of those at risk of developing dementia. Mild cognitive decline, in cases where amyloid pathology is present, can progress to dementia in just four years. This fact emphasizes the urgency of identifying those patients with a higher likelihood of progressing to more advanced stages of the disease, in order to offer them timely and personalized treatment that can slow down their progression. Carlos Platero, a researcher at the UPM, pointed out that assessments supported by artificial intelligence significantly improve clinical diagnosis and patient monitoring. Thanks to AI, it is possible to distinguish between Alzheimer's type dementia and other types, allowing for more specific and tailored care to meet the needs of each individual. Disease progression models developed using AI techniques not only contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, but also help validate hypotheses about the temporal evolution of diseases. These models use longitudinal data to estimate how symptoms and pathologies evolve over time, providing a clearer and more detailed understanding of the disease. This advancement has sparked the interest of the scientific community, as approximately 80% of individuals who rapidly progress to dementia had amyloid pathology at the time of initial diagnosis. This demonstrates the utility of AI tools in early identification of patients at higher risk, enabling earlier and more effective intervention. In conclusion, artificial intelligence is playing a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The results of this research are promising and open up new possibilities in the fight against dementia, offering hope to those living with this disease and their loved ones.