Will AI transform how we fight neurodegenerative diseases?

We have made some extraordinary progress in medicine the past decades. Cardiovascalur disease, the main cause of mortality, has seen dramatically improved treatment outcomes in the past 30 years. With AI-enabled diagnostic tools and new immunotherapies on the horizon we expect better chances for those suffering from cancer in the near future. For a long time, the brain was considered a mysterious black box. It is the only organ that we cannot live without and that can not be replaced. While neuroscientists are gradually uncovering more and more about the workings of the brain, neurology remains one of the most challenging disciplines in medicine. Technologies such as MR imaging to identify subtle changes in the brain tissue and structure, fMRI imaging to measure changes in brain activity, and EEG to measure electrical activity have given clinicians many new insights into what is happening in brain health and disease. At Philips we are working with researchers to stimulate the brain using electrodes that are placed on the skull, applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize treatment for patients with severe epilepsy. These implantable deep brain stimulation devices can help control tremors or pain.

Philips IntelliSpace Cognition, a digital cognitive assessment solution

To enable targeted therapy for patients, more precise diagnosis is required. In some types of dementia, where there is a long period between contracting the disease and the first symptoms, an early diagnosis could be critical to initiate treatment as early as possible. In patients with various neurological and mental conditions we are exploring the fusion of physiological measurements, contextual observations, and measurements with wearables, apps and AI to identify patterns and correlations leading to an early, confident diagnosis. The next step could be early intervention or even prevention in risk groups, when connections are discovered between lifestyle and cognitive impairment. These solutions could positively impact millions of people. 
 

Although preventative care in neurology is still emerging, we already see areas where digital technologies can help to make great strides. An example is how the latest generation of digital MR imaging technologies is helping research in the quantification of iron accumulation associated with many neuro-degenerative diseases. We are also using AI to spot early indication of plaque in the brain and measure brain atrophy (yes your brain is shrinking!) compared to normal. 

With the increasing demand for mental care, neurologists lack time and resources to adequately test for impairment and make objective and informed recommendations. Fifty percent of neurologists think the average wait time for a cognitive assessment has a negative impact on diagnosis and treatment*.

New AI-powered digital cognitive assessment platform

Working with neuropsychologists and neurologists, Philips is currently developing a digital cognitive assessment solution, IntelliSpace Cognition, which combines a range of well-established tests, provides automated scoring, translates test scores to cognitive domains, and offers basic interpretation. The platform uses Artificial Intelligence to provide quantified, longitudinal insights from data-rich assessments. A primary goal of this solution is to facilitiate robust and reliable cognitive assessment with far greater efficiency and scale than traditional methods. The emergence of digital platforms that combine the best of traditional neuropsychological assessment with cutting-edge automation and AI has the potential to meaningfully transform neurologists’ diagnoses and treatment plans for improved  patient care.