Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 15: A team of US researchers has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system that could help detect cognitive impairments early and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in older adults.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia, making early detection crucial for effective interventions and better health outcomes. However, diagnosing MCI is often a complex and time-consuming process, particularly in rural areas where access to licensed neuropsychologists is limited.

To address this challenge, researchers from the University of Missouri have designed a portable assessment system equipped with a depth camera, force plate, and interface board. This innovative system efficiently measures various aspects of motor function, which are closely linked to cognitive health.

The research team examined older adults, including individuals with MCI, and asked them to perform three specific tasks: standing still, walking, and standing up from a bench. To increase cognitive demand, participants were required to complete these tasks while counting backward in intervals of seven. Their movements were recorded by the device, and the collected data was analyzed using a machine learning model—a form of AI—designed to identify cognitive impairment.

The system successfully detected MCI in 83% of participants, demonstrating its potential as a powerful diagnostic tool.

Trent Guess, an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri, highlighted the critical link between cognitive and motor functions. "The areas of the brain responsible for cognitive function also influence motor abilities such as balance and walking. Our device can detect subtle changes that might go unnoticed through standard observation," Guess explained.

As global cases of Alzheimer’s continue to rise, this portable AI system could provide a breakthrough in early detection, enabling timely interventions to slow cognitive decline.

Beyond Alzheimer’s, researchers believe the system has wide-ranging applications, including concussion assessments, sports rehabilitation, monitoring patients with ALS and Parkinson’s disease, and post-surgical recovery for knee and hip replacements.

With its ability to identify early-stage cognitive decline through motor function analysis, this AI-powered device holds promise for transforming neurological care and improving the lives of millions worldwide.