New artificial intelligence tool helps clinicians distinguish between dementia types

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are expected to more than double by 2060. As June marks Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, three University of Florida researchers are working to improve clinicians' ability to distinguish between these diseases - a critical step toward earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

In a recent study published in Neurology, researchers developed a new tool called Automated Imaging Differentiation for Dementia, or AIDD. The tool combines brain scans with AI to distinguish between two common forms of dementia: Alzheimer's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. The results showed that AIDD identified the two diseases with near-perfect accuracy, suggesting it could be a promising future tool for clinicians.

"The use of AI and advanced imaging technology holds considerable promise to uncover brain degeneration patterns for dementia," said David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., a distinguished professor and the Orchid Endowed Chair for the UF Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Performance.

While both conditions are forms of dementia, they can present differently. For example, dementia with Lewy bodies often begins with attention, alertness and movement issues, whereas patients with Alzheimer's demonstrate memory problems. Unlike Alzheimer's, dementia with Lewy bodies requires a different treatment.