In Japan, they are working on making AI tools that can recognize dementia early. One of these devices studies how people walk. The aim of such programs is to reduce the risk of senile individuals getting lost or failing to realize that they are suffering from this condition by prompting them to see a doctor sooner and allaying their families’ fears.
Since February, the consulting services offered by Fujitsu’s Ridgelinez unit have been collaborating with Noel, an artificial intelligence startup in addition to partnering with the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. They have started developing a method for detecting dementia using walking patterns as an indicator . This system will identify signs such as small steps which indicate cognitive decline from videos filmed by public cameras; it uses posture recognition technology based on AI from Fujitsu’s gymnastics judging system. This will enable those around anyone who might be symptomatic to talk about what could potentially be wrong with them.
The three groups plan on creating privacy protection guidelines and analyzing information obtained through nursing homes so as to make this tool usable by fiscal year 2027.
According to the health ministry projections, there will be approximately 11.97 million Japanese people aged over 65 years old suffering from dementia or mild cognitive impairment (the precursor stage) in 2040 — about one-third of all elderly citizens .
“Dementia can happen to anyone,” said Takanori Kawashima , director at Ridgelinez. “We need safeguards for everyday life rather than restrictions/monitoring.”
AI tools designed for checking dementia risks are coming close into reality. Eisai which together with Biogen developed lecanemab; a drug used against Alzheimer’s disease plans on launching an artificial intelligence program that predicts decrease in mental abilities due people lifestyle changes according answers given lifestyle questionnaires make available via mobile phones up until end financial year 2024 thus enabling persons should visit medical practitioners early enough habituate themselves towards better living conditions.
One of DeNA’s subsidiaries provides municipal authorities an app whereby AI can detect alterations in cognitive functions from verbal reactions to inquiries about matters such as dates.
Source: japantimes
