The IIS La Fe participates in a European project for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease through artificial intelligence

The La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe), through the Biomedical Imaging Research Group (GIBI230) and the Alzheimer's Disease Research Group (GINEA), participates in the PREDICTOM project. The project aims to create an advanced platform, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, that allows for the identification of individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, even before the first symptoms appear.

The platform, developed with open-source code, interoperability, and customization, will analyse biomarker data such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking, and blood analysis, identifying users at high risk of developing dementia. This will enable personalised interventions to prevent further cognitive decline and the development of dementia, thereby improving treatment opportunities and the quality of life of patients.

This strategy would entail a shift in the current medical practice for early Alzheimer's diagnosis, developing new clinical guidelines based on evidence generated in the project. Detecting the early signs of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for slowing the progression of a devastating pathology that, according to the WHO, may account for 60% to 70% of dementia cases.

More than 4,000 participants will be part of the project, with their biological samples sent to PREDICTOM, where the platform will process the data from each of them, integrating blood, cerebrospinal fluid, imaging, electrophysiological, and digital biomarkers.

Subsequently, artificial intelligence algorithms will generate risk assessments, early diagnoses, and prognoses, laying the groundwork for early interventions and treatments.

Revolutionising screening and minimising healthcare burden

Currently, more than 7 million people in the European Union live with dementia, and it is projected that this figure will double to reach 14 million by 2050, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems, both in terms of human and financial resources.

PREDICTOM aims to open new possibilities for more effective interventions and improve the quality of life of those affected by a disease that currently has no cure.

PREDICTOM aims to achieve a crucial milestone in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, representing a significant step towards early detection and effective treatment. This would entail a change in the current medical practice for early Alzheimer's diagnosis, developing new clinical guidelines based on the evidence generated in the project. With a 4-year execution period and a total budget of 21 million euros, PREDICTOM involves collaboration from 30 entities in academia, industry, and civil society from 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and America. The project is led by the Stavanger University Hospital (Norway) and is part of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), a public-private partnership between the European Union and European life sciences industries.