Applications of artificial intelligence in dementia research

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Informatics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Over 50 million individuals globally have dementia, with projections reaching 150 million by 2050.
• Rising dementia prevalence increases caregiver burden and healthcare costs, necessitating innovative solutions.
• Effective dementia treatments are still lacking, driving research into early detection and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in dementia research.
• To categorize AI applications based on cognitive impairment stages: screening/training, diagnosis/prognosis, and care/interventions.
• To highlight the potential of AI in addressing challenges associated with dementia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on AI applications in dementia.
• Categorization of AI tools based on their role in cognitive impairment progression.
• Analysis of AI's utility in screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and care for dementia patients.

Main Results:

• AI, including machine learning and deep learning, is extensively used for dementia diagnosis and progression monitoring.
• Digital tools and apps facilitate cognitive function monitoring for patients and caregivers.
• Social robots show potential for supporting elderly individuals living alone.

Conclusions:

• AI applications span cognitive screening, training, diagnosis, prognosis, and dementia care.
• Numerous studies demonstrate AI's utility, but direct comparison of AI methods in clinical settings remains a challenge.
• Further research is required to validate and compare the effectiveness of various AI approaches in real-world clinical scenarios.