MUSCAT: Researchers in Oman has developed an Artificial Intelligence powered medical device (Ganglio-Nav) for early detection of Alzheimer patients.

The research was officially launched at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Muscat was led by Dr Sherimon P.C., Faculty of Computer Studies, Arab Open University in Oman.

The research contributions include (1) the development of an Artificial Intelligence Neurologist to conduct the cognitive assessment in Alzheimer suspect patients and (2) the development of a Neuroscope.

About 60% of dementia cases are caused by the degenerative, irreversible neurological disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been utilized in this domain to help doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer.

In this research, an AI Neurologist is developed which includes a 3D Avatar to conduct a variety of cognitive tests that evaluate language, direction, attention, memory, and visual-spatial abilities of Alzheimer suspected patients. Scores are calculated by the system and correspondingly the patient’s current situation is determined. Also, the team developed a neuroscope based on fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy), a device for analyzing the neuronal activities of prefrontal cortex of human brain of Alzheimer patients. This device is wearable, portable, and reasonably compact.

The researchers presented their findings followed by a demonstration to various academicians and medical practitioners in Oman.

The research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Oman. The researchers from Royal Oman Police (ROP) hospital and University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Muscat collaborated in this study. The team includes, Dr Vinu Sherimon (UTAS,Muscat) Dr Rahul V. Nair (ROP), Dr Renchi Mathew Kurian (ROP), and Dr Khalid Sheikh (ROP).