AI-Neuro

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a system that can simulate and execute the processes of human thinking and learning and make informed decisions. It can have several applications in neurology and neurodegenerative diseases which present fundamental challenges not merely in their biology but also in their modeling. In the case of Alzheimer’s - an incredibly heterogeneous disease that is difficult to predict, diagnose, and treat - AI can improve how the disease is detected, especially in its early stages when traditional diagnosis can be difficult. It also shifts the diagnosis from late-stage confirmation to early-stage prediction and detection, which is crucial for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Further, it can help reduce the disease’s complexity, identify who might remain cognitively normal, who will progress to dementia, and who is likely to benefit from therapy. In addition, it can accelerate drug discovery and development through drug-target identification and predictive modeling of compound efficacy. This volume will cover the several stages through which AI intervenes including biomarker analysis, cognitive and behavioral analysis, early detection from brain scans, clinical decision support, predictive modeling, and drug development and clinical trials. This volume will also assess the usefulness of AI in developing new drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond the recently approved drugs (Leqembi, Kinsula) which attempt to slow the underlying degeneration, AI platforms are used to screen thousands of existing FDA-approved drugs to find 'hidden' Alzheimer’s treatments as well as new molecules. While no AI drug candidates for Alzheimer’s have completed the full clinical journey yet, it might only be a matter of time until new solutions are brought to patients. Since Alzheimer’s likely requires multi-target treatment like cancer or HIV therapy, AI can also help find the 'next generation' of biological targets beyond traditional amyloid and tau. Real-world AI tools and systems already being used (or tested) in hospitals and radiology centers to diagnose Alzheimer’s will also be discussed. This book is a further attempt to reorient our approach along a path I am convinced will be more successful in leading us to a cure.