Putting AI to the test for Alzheimer’s and dementia

More than 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and as that number grows, clinicians are hoping artificial intelligence will help them detect cognitive decline earlier, tailor care to individual patients, support caregivers and ease administrative burdens.

But before AI technologies reach patients, researchers need to know the tools are safe, effective and work for people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Now, with a five-year, $25 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, UCLA Health will lead a national effort to test and evaluate AI tools developed to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, working with partners including the Mayo Clinic and the University of Wisconsin.

"Older adults living with dementia have the most to gain and the most to lose," said Dr. John N. Mafi, associate professor of medicine and co-director of UCLA Health's Innovations and Outcomes Validation of AI Center. "Our program will bring rigor to every stage of an AI tool's journey - the data it learns from, how it is built and how it performs in real-world care. As a national resource, we will fund and support teams across the country at every step."

As part of the initiative, researchers will evaluate new technologies across California's diverse population while working with other institutions to validate findings in different health care settings. The evaluation methods and safety standards developed will be shared nationally, helping health systems determine which emerging AI tools can genuinely improve care for patients and families.

► Read the full story on the UCLA Health website.