Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other dementias.<\/p>\n
In general, AI refers to computer programs designed to learn and\/or perform tasks in a manner similar to the human mind. The field has now advanced to the point that AI is becoming increasingly capable of solving problems in ways that researchers cannot predict. This means that it can potentially provide solutions to long-standing medical mysteries, like the origin of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
Society has a fixation on the potential dangers of AI (thanks, Terminator<\/a>). While there are certainly some legitimate concerns about how things can go wrong, we would be remiss to ignore the benefits that AI can offer. Plus, since we are so aware of the apparent threat of an AI-based apocalypse, it is likely that many safeguards are being put in place by developers (fingers crossed).<\/p>\n With the doom and gloom out of the way, we can now look at the bright side of AI.<\/p>\n The fact that we can design computer programs to solve problems and complete tasks is exciting alone, but the most astounding development is the evolution of AI systems that can outperform the human mind. Some famous examples include the supercomputer Deep Blue<\/a> beating world chess champion Garry Kasparov back in 1996, and Watson<\/a> demolishing \u201cJeopardy!\u201d legend Ken Jennings in 2008.<\/p>\n Far from the public eye of computer vs celebrity battles, researchers have been working on ways to use the superior capabilities of AI to battle complex medical conditions like Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a particularly troublesome illness in many ways. Its symptoms are severe and irreversible. From a research standpoint, there has been little to no success in preventing, stopping, or even slowing its development. Diagnosis efforts have also been frustratingly stifled.<\/p>\n Currently, the best options for detecting Alzheimer\u2019s disease early are cognitive tests, like the SAGE<\/a> exam on which the BrainTest\u00ae app<\/strong><\/a> is based. There are no reliable biological markers to aid in an early Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis, so it cannot be detected by a blood test, brain imaging, or other existing medical methods before the symptoms have taken hold.<\/p>\n The barriers that are preventing some of the brightest human minds from reliably addressing Alzheimer\u2019s disease could soon be overcome by AI<\/a>. Studies are already starting to emerge demonstrating how it can be used to diagnose Alzheimer\u2019s disease up to several years earlier<\/a> than is currently possible.<\/p>\nAI Could Break the Alzheimer\u2019s Code<\/h2>\n