18:16 10/08/2021
Scientists are testing an artificial intelligence system that is thought to be capable of diagnosing dementia after a single brain scan.
It can also predict whether the condition will remain stable for many years, get worse slowly, or need immediate treatment.
Currently, several scans and tests may be needed to diagnose dementia. The researchers involved say that early diagnoses with their system can greatly improve patient outcomes.
"If we intervene early, treatments can start early and slow the progression of the disease and at the same time prevent more damage. It is likely that symptoms will appear much later in life or may never appear at all,” said Prof Zoe Kourtzi, from the University of Cambridge.
Prof Kourtzi's system compares the brain scans of those patients thought to have dementia with those of thousands of dementia patients and their relevant medical records.
In pre-clinical tests, AI has been able to diagnose dementia years before symptoms appear, even when there are no obvious signs of damage on brain scans.
Consultant neurologist Dr Tim Rittman, who is leading the study with neuroscientists at the University of Cambridge, called the artificial intelligence system a "fantastic development".
"These groups of diseases are really devastating to people. "AI is confident in the diagnosis and provides more information about the possible progression of the disease," said Dr. Tim Rittman. /tvklan.al
""Information source @TvKlan: Read more at: www.botasot.al ""
