How AI could predict whether early signs of dementia will develop into Alzheimer’s

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Category: Health

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. cognitive / ˈkɒg nɪ tɪv / (adj.) – relating to thinking or mental processes and activities
    Example:

    She took a test designed to check her cognitive skills, such as memory and problem-solving.


  2. invasive / ɪnˈveɪ sɪv / (adj.) – relating to a medical process that involves cutting into a person’s body or inserting something into it
    Example:

    With new technology, people can now choose less invasive treatment options instead of undergoing major surgery for some medical issues.


  3. diagnostic / ˌdaɪ əgˈnɒs tɪk / (adj.) – relating to something used for discovering a disease, illness, or problem
    Example:

    The laboratory uses advanced diagnostic tools to find the cause of a patient’s symptoms.


  4. detection / dɪˈtɛk ʃən / (n.) – the process of discovering, finding, or noticing something that’s not easy to see or find
    Example:

    Early detection of diabetes is crucial for managing the condition effectively.


  5. worryingly / ˈwʌr i ɪŋ li / (adv.) – in a way that makes a person feel concerned
    Example:

    The temperatures in different parts of the world have become worryingly high because of global warming.


Article

Read the text below.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have used Artificial Intelligence to develop a tool capable of predicting whether people with early signs of dementia could develop Alzheimer’s.


It’s estimated someone in the world develops Alzheimer’s every 3 seconds, with the number of people with the disease set to triple over the next 50 years.


The AI algorithm researchers have developed here is designed to process data from MRI scans and responses to check-up questionnaires called ‘cognitive tests’ using complex data processing technologies. It’s hoped this new tool could mean earlier interventions for care and reduce the need for costly and invasive diagnostic tests.


Zoe Kourtzi, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, says: “For a long time, for about 30 years, we did not have any disease-modifying treatments. Now things have changed, and we see new treatments coming into the market. And for now, we know we have the potential to identify patients early and identify the right patients for these treatments.”


Kourtzi continues, “So, our work has really been focusing on early predictions, early diagnosis when we have the first symptoms, or even before symptoms, can we identify individuals that may develop dementia in the future.”


Dementia poses a significant global healthcare challenge. The University of Cambridge predicts the condition affects over 55 million people worldwide with an estimated annual cost of $820 billion. The number of people with the disease is expected to almost triple over the next 50 years.


Alzheimer’s accounts for around 60-80% of dementia cases. It is for this reason that early detection is crucial, as treatments initiated at the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s are likely to be the most effective.


Researchers say AI technology will not replace clinicians in the triaging and treatment process, but facilitate diagnosis as a tool for identifying and intervening at the earliest possible stage.


It is hoped that this tool may soon be used to help in real-life healthcare settings here in the UK, and around the world in the effort to combat a disease that is becoming worryingly more common.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Technology is becoming more and more involved in the healthcare industry as seen by the development of an AI tool that predicts Alzheimer’s. How do you feel about using AI to predict diseases and monitor health (ex. I am confident, I am doubtful)? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the benefits and risks of the use of AI to predict diseases (ex. benefit: early detection, risk: errors in prediction)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Early diagnosis or detection is crucial for diseases like Alzheimer’s since treatments at the early stages are likely to be the most effective. Given this, do you think regular health check-ups should be required to help with early detection? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how often should an adult person undergo health checks? Why? Is it common for people in your country to go to the doctor regularly for a check-up? Discuss.