The surprising new ally in the fight against dementia

Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges facing Australia’s ageing population. 

With more than 400,000 Australians currently living with dementia—and that number expected to skyrocket in the coming decades—finding better ways to diagnose and manage this condition is more important than ever. 

Now, a new breakthrough in artificial intelligence (AI) could be a game-changer in the battle against dementia, offering hope for earlier detection and improved care. 

The growing challenge of dementia

Globally, dementia affects around 50 million people, and the World Alzheimer Report predicts this figure will triple by 2050. 

In Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of death for women. 

As our population ages, more families are grappling with the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of supporting loved ones with dementia.

One of the biggest hurdles in tackling dementia is simply identifying it. Early symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for normal ageing or other health issues. 

Many people go undiagnosed for years, missing out on support and interventions that could improve their quality of life.

How AI is changing the game

Enter artificial intelligence. A team of Australian and US researchers, led by the National Centre for Healthy Ageing (a partnership between Monash University and Peninsula Health), has developed an AI tool that could revolutionise how dementia is detected.

This tool works by analysing medical records for hundreds of subtle clues—everything from memory lapses and difficulty with daily activities to anxiety and unexplained agitation. 

By sifting through this data, the AI can flag individuals who may be at risk of dementia, prompting further clinical evaluation.

Professor Velandai Srikanth, one of the lead researchers, explains: ‘If we find that there are clues to the presence of dementia in a person, and with their permission, we would be able to do a fuller clinical evaluation and confirm that and potentially provide them better care.’

Why early detection matters

Catching dementia early can make a world of difference. While there’s currently no cure, early diagnosis allows people to access treatments, support services, and lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life. 

It also gives families more time to plan for the future and make important decisions together.

Traditional methods of diagnosing dementia often rely on lengthy interviews, memory tests, and sometimes expensive brain scans. 

These can be time-consuming, costly, and not always accessible—especially in rural or remote areas. AI has the potential to make screening faster, more accurate, and more widely available.

How accurate is the AI?

In a study involving more than 1000 Australians aged 60 and over, the AI tool demonstrated a high level of accuracy in identifying people with dementia. 

By combining traditional data gathering with advanced algorithms, researchers were able to spot patterns that might be missed by the human eye.

If adopted widely, this approach could transform not just how dementia is diagnosed, but also how it’s managed. Imagine a future where your GP can use AI to flag early warning signs, allowing you to take action sooner rather than later.

What does this mean for you?

For older Australians and their families, this technology could mean earlier answers and better support. 

It could also help reduce the stigma around dementia by making diagnosis a more routine part of healthcare, rather than something to be feared or hidden.

Of course, as with any new technology, there are important questions to consider—such as privacy, consent, and ensuring that AI is used to support, not replace, the human touch in healthcare. But the potential benefits are enormous.

Other innovations in dementia care

AI isn’t the only new tool in the fight against dementia. Researchers are also exploring blood tests, wearable devices, and even smartphone apps that can monitor changes in speech or movement. 

Together, these innovations could help create a more holistic, proactive approach to brain health.

What can you do now?

While we wait for these technologies to become widely available, there are still plenty of steps you can take to support your brain health:

• Stay socially active and connected with friends and family.
• Challenge your mind with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Keep physically active—regular exercise is great for your brain.
• Manage other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

Have you or someone you know been affected by dementia? What do you think about the idea of using AI to help with early detection? Would you be comfortable with your medical records being analysed by a computer if it could help catch dementia sooner?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your insights could help others in our community who are facing similar challenges.

Also read: This common condition may lead to a 25% higher chance of developing dementia, study shows