Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched a global initiative to revolutionise the detection of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.
The project in question will be trialled by a million people in the UK.
It includes wearing a smartwatch style device to detect early signs of dementia by using AI (artificial intelligence) to monitor more than 30 indicators. The indicators include speech, fine motor skills, sleeping patterns, speech and more… which allow healthcare professionals to detect neurodegenerative disease.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron is the President of Alzheimer’s Research UK. He commented on this experiment by stating: “I strongly believe we are on the cusp of a revolution in how we detect a disease that causes dementia and radically improve the lives of the millions on families facing these heart-breaking diseases.”
It has been stated by numerous medical professionals that early and accurate diagnosis will give future treatments the head-start they need to succeed. Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases brings together the healthcare professionals at the head of early diagnosis movement.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron stated:
“During my time as Prime Minister, I witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of dementia on families and I made a personal commitment to transforming the pace of research efforts across the globe.”
The experiment will require funding of approximately £100m
The project is a collaboration between Alzheimer’s Research, University College London, and Newcastle, Exeter and Cambridge University, as well as the Alan Turing Institute.
The collaboration aims to secure funds of £100m by 2030. The aim is to build and trails its diagnostic device on a large scale. Funds from Bill Gates and Iceland Food Charitable Foundation have already been secured and utilised.
“85% of UK adults would be willing to take a test that could tell them if they were in the early stages of a disease like Alzheimer’s”
Carol Routledge, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK said:
“Early detection on neurodegenerative diseases aims to harness the growing popularity of digital health technology and big data to revolutionise how we develop early tests for these diseases. Developing digital fingerprints that can be detected using phone apps or wearable technologies like smartwatches would provide a low-cost approach to identify those most at risk of disease.”
“Identifying the very earliest changes in these diseases would transform research efforts today, giving us the best chance of stopping these diseases.”
Can AI provide the critical insights healthcare professionals need to tackle neurodegenerative diseases?
AI has the potential to transform learning opportunities from large scale data studies by integrating vital information from multiple sources. The experiment will use AI to deliver new insights into the early signals if disease by combining digital data measurements with traditional sources such as brain imaging and memory tests. More accurate and timely detection will enable patients to act earlier, and into clinical trials that could provide scientific insight into the different stages of this neurodegenerative disease.
The UK is well equipped to undertake this work with its expertise in AI and the clinical sciences. Coupled with the help of the NHS, the UK can deliver patient benefit. This partnership amongst institutions has the capability to change lives.
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