Are early stages of Alzheimer's disease detectable? Do we have a creative way to discover Alzheimer before it's belated?
One of the greatest challenges that can be solved through the development and implementation of digital innovations and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an invention of modern technologies, which can be used to detect diseases as early as possible. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) considered to be the third cause for death to strike elderlies after a heart attack and cancer, the diagnosis of AD is still a significant challenge in today’s world.
The underlying principle behind the early detection of diseases lies in the ability to treat chronic illnesses during the initial stage, hence reducing mortality and morbidity that would have otherwise occurred if a diagnosis was made later after the disease had progressed. Among the most prominent innovations nowadays, there is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) angiography, which is used as a technique to detect the most relevant signs of AD among other potential neurological disorders. In support of this digital innovation, Cunha, & Castanheira-Dinis mention that OCT angiography can distinguish between individuals with AD and those experiencing mild levels of mental diminishing.
”The Infographic shows statistics and facts mentioned at the 2018 report release by Alzheimer’s Disease International”.
Alzheimer's Disease International 2018 Report (ADI).
This unique feature may make this innovation successful, as unlike conventional tests that analyse behavioural change, this approach can ensure that the disease is detected before it advances to more critical stages. AI can consequently be implemented by placing deep-learning based systems that can automatically detect and also differentiate the differential OCT images with impeccable accuracy. Furthermore, the incorporation of AI as a new and more enhanced system is going to improve performance to levels that supersede those of human experts. This innovation is, therefore, highly promising in the context of revolutionizing the diagnostic processes for various illnesses, particularly that of AD, thus leading to more exceptional and desirable clinical outcomes among populations.
P. D. James, writer
“The great tragedy of Alzheimer's disease, and the reason why we dread it, is that it leaves us with no defense, not even against those who love us.”
In relation to these capabilities of OCT, the potential of incorporating a smartphone app that can be used to scan the eye paves may result in even more excellent opportunities for detecting AD among other diseases. According to Kim & Pichai, eye scans can be used to identify various conditions, including eye infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, and several other disorders, by obtaining a retinal image, which is then interpreted. Retinal imaging allows for the capturing of a comprehensive digital view of the retina, and this image can then be used to detect abnormalities. As such, the use of this system in smartphones to detect AD, can be achieved using AI. Similarly, to other smartphone apps such as SkinVision which detects potential skin cancer (Melanoma), the eye scan app can be used to take images of the eye retina and compare it with existing databases composed of as many pictures as possible of various conditions. The digital view of the retina can then be interpreted by deep-learning mechanisms, thus providing indications of the potential of having an early diagnose of AD.
Introducing D-EYE Smartphone-Based Retinal Imaging System
Dr. Laura Phipps, from Alzheimer's Research UK
“With future treatments for Alzheimer's and other dementia's likely to be most effective when given early in the disease process, research into sensitive and non-invasive early markers of disease is vital.”
Can an Eye Exam Predict Alzheimer’s Disease - The Doctors, TV Show
Furthermore, since AI is capable of undertaking significant and accurate digital analyses, then the same can be used to enhance this smartphone app that distinguishes the levels of risk. For instance, scans of the eye can indicate a low, medium, or high risk of AD based on comparisons of eye images to various databases that correspond to this specific illness. Once this level of risk is determined, the app prompts the need for the individual to seek medical assistance and further evaluation as urgently as possible.
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