To empower prior diagnosis, researchers at the University of Bari in Italy developed a machine-learning calculation to recognize structural changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease. First, they trained the algorithm using 67 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)  scans, 38 of which were from people who had Alzheimer’s and 29 from healthy controls. The scans came from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Scientists have created a sophisticated algorithm that analyses MRI scans and notes structural changes to the mind caused by the disease, with an accuracy of more than 80 percent. This complex algorithm can distinguish the brains of healthy subjects from those with Alzheimer’s with 86% precision. It could likewise recognize stable patients from those with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) with 84% precision.

At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer; however early diagnosis implies that patients can get treatment sooner and can make more care arrangements. Doctors already use MRI scans to look for changes characteristic of Alzheimer’s, but scientists believe artificial intelligence could help specialists to diagnose the conditions before differences are visible. Researchers think that this innovation could be used to foresee Alzheimer’s and other diseases within ten years.

Source: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1709.02369v1.pdf