Dementia is an increasingly pressing issue within Australia’s ageing population, presenting challenges in identification and management. Recent studies highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to address these difficulties.
Currently, around 50 million individuals globally are living with some form of dementia, with forecasts by the World Alzheimer Report predicting this number could reach 150 million by 2050. This situation may be even more severe, as diagnosing dementia often proves complex.
An Australian–US collaborative research team has made strides in developing an AI tool designed to detect dementia by scrutinising medical records for various indicators, such as memory impairment, difficulties with daily activities, anxiety, and unexplained restlessness. This innovative approach aims to simplify the diagnosis for individuals at risk.
Professor Velandai Srikanth, a key figure in this research, emphasised that when AI identifies potential signs of dementia, it allows for a more thorough clinical evaluation, pending the individual’s consent. This process could lead to improved care and support for those affected.
The researchers, associated with the National Centre for Healthy Ageing—partnership between Melbourne’s Monash University and Peninsula Health—conducted a study involving over 1,000 participants aged 60 and above, all diagnosed with dementia. By leveraging both traditional data collection methods and AI, their findings revealed a high accuracy rate in confirming whether a person has dementia.
The team is hopeful that if this AI methodology gains widespread acceptance, it could significantly enhance the ways in which dementia is diagnosed and managed across the healthcare landscape.