Can Computers Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia? - Neuroscience News
Summary: New machine learning algorithms are able to accurately detect cognitive impairment by analyzing voice recordings. Source: Boston University It takes a lot of time—and money—to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. After running a lengthy face-to-face neuropsychological exam, the doctor must copy, review, and analyze each response in detail. But researchers at Boston University have developed a new tool that could automate the process and eventually allow it to move online. Their machine learning-powered computational model can detect cognitive impairment from audio recordings of neuropsychological tests—no in-person appointment required. Their findings were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association . “This approach brings us one step closer to early intervention,” said Ioannis Paschalidis, co-author of the paper and BU College of Engineering Distinguished Professor of Engineering. He said faster early detection of Alzheimer’s could prompt larger