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A new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm has an accuracy rate of over 99 percent in detecting brain changes that are potential indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, which is sometimes referred to as senile dementia.
In what may be one of the most important medical breakthroughs, a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm has demonstrated over 99% accuracy and nearly 100 percent at being able to detect changes within the brain that are potential indicators of the development of pre-Alzheimer’s disease, science alert reports.
Artificial intelligence is making significant gains in diagnosing diseases, such as breast cancer and lung cancer, and is showing that not only can it be done faster than humans can, it is becoming more accurate.
The study of the AI research has been published in the journal Diagnostics.
The experimentation used fMRI brain scan images and AI to analyze them. The improved algorithm was able to achieve better than a 99 percent accuracy rate, and also demonstrated improved performance and sensitivity, and specificity over existing methods, according to the researchers. They say that humans are nowhere near as fast or reliable as the AI can now perform.
However, the researchers are quick to point out: “Of course, we don’t dare to suggest that a medical professional should ever rely on any algorithm 100 percent. Think of a machine as a robot capable of doing the most tedious task of sorting the data and searching for features.”
The researchers say that once the computer software has identified potential cases, human medical specialists can then review and confirm the findings.
The main takeaway from the AI diagnostic software is that it helps make an earlier diagnosis which means earlier treatment.
Alzheimer’s is a perspective disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association: “Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.”
“Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.”
According to the latest Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures released by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer’s was the fifth leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older.
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 3 million new cases of Alzheimer’s are diagnosed each year.
