Friday, February 14
06:33 AM

Researchers develop device for Alzheimer’s detection

7 Sep 2022 By

Muscat – A medical device called Ganglio-Nav has been developed for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease in Oman.

Ganglio-Nav has been created by a team headed by Dr Sherimon PC, faculty of Computer Studies, Arab Open University, with researchers from Royal Oman Police Hospital and University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Muscat. The team includes, Dr Vinu Sherimon (UTAS, Muscat), and Dr Rahul V Nair, Dr Renchi Mathew Kurian and Dr Khalid Sheikh of ROP, supported and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

Powered by artificial intelligence, the device assists in detecting signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s in patients. It is designed to conduct a series of cognitive tests that evaluate language, direction, attention, memory, and visual-spatial abilities of patients suspected to have Alzheimer’s. Scores are calculated by the system and correspondingly the patient’s current situation is determined.

A demonstration of the technical aspects of Ganglio-Nav and how it can be used in a beneficial manner was also held during a presentation at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday.

“The device helps in detecting and devising treatment for the ailment early on. About 60 per cent of dementia cases are caused by the degenerative, irreversible neurological disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease. AI technologies have been utilised in this domain to help doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer’s. Researchers have found out that constant stress can affect the brain’s immune system leading to dementia symptoms,” Dr Sherimon PC said.

He added that age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s and it mainly affects people over 65. An individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years after 65.

According to the latest data released by WHO, Alzheimer’s and dementia associated deaths in Oman have reached 323 or 2.18 per cent of the total deaths. Age adjusted death rate in the country is 22.46 per 100,000 of the population.

© 2021 Apex Press and Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Mesdac