[ad_1]
Lithuanian researchers have developed a deep learning-based method that can predict the possible onset of Alzheimer’s disease with greater than 99% accuracy.
The method uses artificial intelligence and deep learning to analyze images of the brain. It is faster than manual analysis, which also requires specific knowledge of the changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania developed the method while analyzing functional MRI images obtained from 138 subjects. They found that it performed better in terms of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity than the methods developed previously.
The research results were published Monday in the journal Diagnostics.
The method could be a game-changer in how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are detected, because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and contributes so far. ‘in 70% of cases of dementia.
Technologies can make medicine more accessible and cheaper. Although they will never (or at least not anytime soon) truly replace medical professional Rytis Maskeliūnas, a researcher in the Department of Multimedia Engineering at KTU.
Around 24 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease worldwide and this number is expected to double as the population ages.
One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of memory loss, or other loss of cognitive ability. The early stages often have almost no clear symptoms, but can be detected by neuroimaging.
Why is early detection important?
“Healthcare professionals around the world are trying to raise awareness about the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which gives those affected a better chance of receiving treatment,” said Rytis Maskeliūnas, researcher in the department of multimedia engineering of the KTU.
He said that while this was not the first attempt to diagnose the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease from similar data, the main advance was the accuracy of the algorithm.
“Obviously, numbers this high are not indicators of real performance, but we are working with medical institutions to get more data,” he said.
“We have to make the most of the data. This is why our research group is focusing on the European principle of open science, so that everyone can use our knowledge and develop it further. I think this principle contributes greatly. to the advancement of society. “
Replace health professionals?
The chief researcher said the algorithm could be developed into software, which could analyze data from people most prone to Alzheimer’s disease, for example, people over 65 or who have high blood pressure. .
While the technology can help healthcare professionals diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, Maskeliunas warned it couldn’t replace them.
“Technologies can make medicine more accessible and cheaper. While they will never (or at least not soon) really replace the healthcare professional, technology can encourage the search for diagnosis and help. in a timely manner, “he said.
[ad_2]
Source link