SGH launches new app that screens for pre-dementia with up to 93% accuracy

Pensive AI: Early Dementia Detection App

Key Concepts: Pre-dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Early Detection, Digital Biomarkers, Cognitive Assessment, AI-powered Screening, Underdiagnosis, Intervention Strategies.

The Problem: Underdiagnosis of Pre-Dementia in Singapore

• High Prevalence: One in 11 seniors above 60 in Singapore has dementia.
• Significant Underdiagnosis: 89.5% of pre-dementia cases remain undiagnosed, according to research by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
• Consequences of Late Diagnosis: Delayed intervention limits treatment effectiveness and reduces the potential to maintain a good quality of life.

The Solution: Pensive AI App

• Development: Jointly developed by SGH and Govtech.
• Purpose: To improve the existing detection process for pre-dementia.
• Functionality: An AI-powered application designed to detect signs of pre-dementia.
• Accuracy: Up to 93% accuracy in detecting pre-dementia.
• Time Efficiency: Reduces screening time from approximately 20 minutes to mere minutes.

How Pensive AI Works: A Digital Biomarker Approach

• Self-Administration: The app can be self-administered by individuals.
• Drawing Task: Participants are required to trace a shape (e.g., a joy).
• Assessment Metrics: The app assesses the progress and accuracy of the drawing.
• AI Analysis: AI algorithms analyze the drawing patterns to identify potential cognitive impairments.
• Rapid Results: Provides results in less than 5 minutes, indicating the user's risk of pre-dementia.

Advantages of Pensive AI

• Accessibility: Can be self-administered, increasing accessibility for seniors.
• Speed: Significantly faster than conventional composite tests.
• Efficiency: Reduces the burden on trained medical professionals.
• Early Intervention: Facilitates early referral to specialists and timely intervention strategies.

Comparison to Existing Methods

• Conventional Composite Tests: Time-consuming and require administration by trained medical professionals.
• Pensive AI: Offers a faster, more accessible, and self-administered alternative.

Importance of Early Intervention

• Reversible Nature: Dementia is considered reversible at the pre-dementia stage.
• Treatment Options: Early intervention allows for the implementation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Quality of Life: Timely treatment can help maintain a good quality of life and slow down cognitive decline.
• Intervention Examples: Enrolling individuals in cognitive sessions and community sessions.

Future Development

• Predictive Capabilities: Ongoing efforts to improve the app's ability to predict a person's future risk of developing pre-dementia or dementia.

Real-World Application: Nancy's Mother's Case

• Initial Misinterpretation: Initial signs of dementia were mistaken for general signs of aging.
• Action Triggered by Forgetfulness: The mother's forgetfulness of the day of the week prompted action.
• Pensive AI's Role: The app facilitated a quick referral to a specialist.
• Diagnosis and Intervention: The mother was diagnosed with dementia and enrolled in cognitive and community sessions.

Conclusion

Pensive AI represents a significant advancement in the early detection of pre-dementia. Its speed, accuracy, and accessibility have the potential to address the high rates of underdiagnosis and enable timely interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for seniors at risk of cognitive decline. The app's development underscores the importance of leveraging technology to combat age-related cognitive impairments and promote proactive healthcare strategies.