
Artificial intelligence holds the potential to transform numerous facets of our lives. It could also possess the capability to forecast who may develop dementia.
A computer program utilizing artificial intelligence could analyze speech patterns in audio recordings to identify which patients with mild cognitive impairment may develop Alzheimer's disease within approximately six years, researchers suggest. recent study by Boston University researchers.
The research was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a medical journal associated with the Alzheimer’s Association.
In the course of this research, investigators examined neuropsychological assessments conducted with 166 individuals aged between 63 and 97. Of those studied, 90 experienced progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia within about six years, whereas the remaining 76 maintained a consistent state of mild cognitive impairment throughout the period observed.
The researchers examined speech patterns captured during examinations. To accomplish this, they developed an AI-driven computer software that employs machine learning—a branch of artificial intelligence enabling programmers to instruct the system how to assess information through training.
The researchers concentrated on the substance of what was said during the interviews—including the choice of words and their structure—rather than examining acoustic features like pronunciation clarity, speaking speed, or pace.
By combining fundamental demographic data with an AI-driven approach to speech recognition, the researchers were able to forecast with 78.5% precision which individuals would advance from slight memory decline to dementia within a span of six years.
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The researchers note that some aspects of the AI-based technology still need to improve. However, they believe that it could be used as a remote screening tool that would help health care providers better identify who is likely to progress to Alzheimer’s disease.
This technology has the potential to enable healthcare professionals to identify Alzheimer's disease several years before onset, eliminating the necessity for costly laboratory exams and imaging scans, according to the researchers. Moreover, due to its affordable price point and capability for remote use, a significantly larger number of individuals might undergo screening for Alzheimer's thanks to this AI-driven approach.
In a summary of the findings , Ioannis (Yannis) Paschalidis, who leads the Boston University Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, states:
We share the same hopes as others do, wishing for an increasing number of Alzheimer’s treatments to become accessible. By anticipating future developments, we gain additional opportunities and time frames to administer medications, thereby attempting to stabilize the condition and hinder progression into more advanced stages of dementia.
Other studies have shown that examining speech patterns during phone calls could assist in identifying individuals with early to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease.
For more news about Alzheimer’s disease, check out:
- “ 2 Financial Struggles That Might Indicate Alzheimer’s Up to Years Beforehand “
- “ 5 Nutrients That Could Halt Alzheimer’s - and Their Food Sources “
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