A new artificial intelligence (AI) technology might be able to detect dementia and Alzheimer’s disease early on, hastening diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have created the technology, which may improve how clinicians evaluate the condition’s early symptoms.
AI Tool for Swift Dementia Diagnosis
The Cogno Speak technology engages a patient in conversation via a virtual character that is visible on a screen.
It conducts cognitive assessments like visual descriptions and verbal fluency tests as well as memory tests that are modeled after those used in outpatient consultations.
In order to detect indicators of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory impairments, the application then analyzes language and speech patterns using AI and speech technologies.
Once further testing at GP and memory clinics across the UK is finished, researchers who developed the technology believe it might significantly lessen the pressure on dementia assessment services.
The average waiting period from referral to dementia diagnosis had climbed to 17.7 weeks, according to the National Audit of Memory Assessment Services in England and Wales, which was carried out between January and August 2021 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists with support from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Waiting periods countrywide ranged from 0 to 104 weeks (two years), up from 3 to 34 weeks in 2019, and were up from 13 weeks in 2019.
The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that there are presently 900,000 people in the UK who are living with dementia, and that number will nearly double by 2040.
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Revolution Of CognoSpeak Technology
Patients and their families may experience great anxiety while awaiting a potential dementia diagnosis, according to Dr. Dan Blackburn of the University of Sheffield’s Department of Neuroscience.
This tool might speed up the commencement of treatment, shorten wait periods, and provide people with clarity sooner.
By accelerating evaluations, the CognoSpeak technology may revolutionize the diagnosis of dementia and other memory impairments.
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