Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed an AI tool known as CognoSpeak, which aims to aid in the early diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The AI-powered dementia diagnosis tool utilizes artificial intelligence and speech technology to analyze language and speech patterns during a conversation with a virtual agent. It conducts memory-probing questions and cognitive tests and then assesses for signs of memory disorders.

Early trials have shown that CognoSpeak is as accurate as current pen-and-paper-based assessments, with a 90% accuracy in distinguishing people with Alzheimer’s from those who are cognitively healthy. The AI-based dementia diagnosis tool has the potential to reduce the burden on dementia assessment services, as it can be accessed through a web browser, allowing patients to take the test at home via a computer, laptop, or tablet.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on how AI is accelerating dementia diagnosis to gauge public opinion on how AI-powered tools for early detection of dementia and memory disorders assist.

Highlights:

  • 39.1% believe AI should play a significant role in the future of healthcare.
  • A significant 84.86% confident in AI’s Alzheimer’s prediction accuracy.
  • 40.66% support AI-powered dementia diagnosis tools in the healthcare sector.

Survey Reveals Growing Recognition of AI-Driven Tools for Dementia Diagnosis in Healthcare

The survey results reveal a promising shift in attitudes towards AI-driven tools for dementia diagnosis, indicating a growing recognition of their potential impact on healthcare. A significant portion of respondents (66.09%) were already aware of AI-powered dementia diagnosis tools and 33.91% were unaware. This suggests an increasing awareness of technological advancements in the medical field.

Furthermore, Figure 1 highlights that a considerable number of participants (36.78%) were very familiar with AI-powered tools for the early detection of dementia and memory disorders and 33.81% were familiar with them. Whereas 25.35%  were unfamiliar and 4.06% were not familiar at all.

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Figure 1: Respondents’ familiarity with AI-powered dementia diagnosis early detection tools.

Read Also: 68% Believe Excessive Screen Time Will Lead To Long-term Health Effects

Strong Support for AI in Dementia Diagnosis and Healthcare Future

Notably, the next survey poll demonstrates that a vast majority (88.99%) considered reducing waiting times for dementia diagnosis and providing early certainty to be essential. In comparison, 11.01% considered it not important.

A substantial proportion (67.14%) of respondents believe AI should play a significant or leading role in the future of healthcare and dementia diagnosis, whereas 22.94% stated that AI should be cautiously integrated and 4.38% stated that it should have limited involvement.

Considering the projected surge in dementia cases, a majority (51.55%) view AI-driven tools as a necessary solution to meet the rising demand for early detection and diagnosis. On the other hand, a minority (20.06%) said that it was not necessary and 28.39% remained uncertain.

However, the potential of AI to handle large datasets, analyze complex patterns, and identify subtle cognitive changes empowers healthcare systems to scale efficiently and respond to the impending healthcare challenge.

Respondents’ Confidence in AI System Prediction Accuracy

Remarkably, a substantial number of respondents (84.86%) express confidence in the AI system’s ability to predict Alzheimer’s and distinguish between cognitively healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments.

Meanwhile, 15.14% were not very confident in AI’s prediction. However, the majority of responses demonstrate the growing trust in AI’s precision and reliability as a diagnostic aid, which could lead to faster and more accurate assessments.

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Figure 2: Respondents’ confidence in the accuracy of AI predictions.

Despite the optimism surrounding AI, the last survey poll indicates a portion of respondents (40.66%) support AI-driven tools in diagnosing mental disorders like dementia. Furthermore, 19.78% opposed it, and a notable 39.56% of the respondents remained neutral.

Conclusion

The recognition of AI’s potential to reduce waiting times, improve diagnostic certainty, and handle the growing number of dementia cases reinforces its role in transforming healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing AI’s potential benefits and addressing potential concerns to harness its capabilities in the medical domain fully.

Methodology

Survey TitleSurvey on How AI is Accelerating Dementia Diagnosis
DurationJuly 21, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Number of Participants10,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia,… Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.