AI tool at UF aims to improve diagnosis of Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -Technology developed at the University of Florida could help doctors diagnose neurological diseases earlier and more accurately.

The platform, called NeuroPACS, uses MRI scans and artificial intelligence to help distinguish between conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Researchers say diagnosing neurological diseases can be difficult, especially when symptoms overlap.

“What we’re doing is trying to take an MRI, which is typically used to rule out another condition like a stroke or a tumor, and we’re using it proactively to help diagnose different forms of Parkinson’s,” said Dr. David Vaillancourt.

The technology analyzes MRI scans using AI, allowing physicians to distinguish between Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that can appear similar in their early stages.

Vaillancourt said the technology builds on MRI scans already being ordered as part of healthcare infrastructure.

“They’re basically trying to rule out a stroke or tumor. And it’s not used proactively. So what we’re able to do is basically take that MRI that’s already being ordered. It’s already part of the healthcare infrastructure and already been spending money on it. And we’re just adding something on top of it,” he said.

“This technology will allow us to actually diagnose those patients much earlier. It’s really important to distinguish these other diseases because they progress more rapidly and they cause more disability,” said Dr. Nikolaus McFarland.

Doctors say earlier diagnosis can help patients better understand their condition and begin the most appropriate treatment plan sooner.

Dr. Bhavana Patel said the technology provides a non-invasive diagnostic option.

“We don’t have great tools that can help differentiate different types of dementia. There have been some advancements, but some of these advancements have led to invasive biomarkers. This is an exciting time where we have a non-invasive way to detect differences in the brains of people with dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease,” Patel said.

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