AI detects rare forms of dementia

New findings enable early diagnosis and individual therapy. Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and University of Leipzig Medical Center have used new artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to detect rare forms of dementia on MRI images. In their study, the researchers show that AI can automatically recognize patterns in patient imaging data that are specific to rare forms of dementia, enabling early diagnosis. They included Alzheimer's disease with memory impairment as well as many other diseases that may be characterized by changes in language, personality or motor function. Mr. M. noticed at the age of 40 that words no longer occurred to him. This particularly affected rarely used words such as "flipper" or "filler." He also could no longer remember the names of acquaintances and colleagues. However, understanding language functioned in everyday professional and private life.