AI Could Predict Cognitive Decline Leading to Alzheimer's Disease in the Next Five Years

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology details an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that has been trained to make accurate predictions regarding cognitive decline leading to Alzheimer's disease, reports ScienceDaily . The AI learns signatures from magnetic resonance imaging, genetics, and clinical data to help predict whether an individual's cognitive faculties are likely to deteriorate toward Alzheimer's in the next five years. "Our AI methodology could have significant implications as a 'doctor's assistant' that would help stream people onto the right pathway for treatment," says McGill University Professor Mallar Chakravarty. "For example, one could even initiate lifestyle changes that may delay the beginning stages of Alzheimer's or even prevent it altogether." The algorithm was trained on data from more than 800 people ranging from healthy seniors to those experiencing mild cognitive impairment and people with Alzheimer's. The investigators replicated their results within the study on an independently collected sample from the Australian Imaging and Biomarkers Lifestyle Study of Aging. "We are currently working on testing the accuracy of predictions using new data," says Chakravarty. "It will help us to refine predictions and determine if we can predict even farther into the future."