With the recent increase in the elderly population, South Korea is expected to enter a super-aged society. This implies that neurodegenerative illnesses, including dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, are also on the rise. Despite the worries, a diagnostic method that combines brain MRI and artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been discovered to make an early diagnosis of dementia and Parkinson's disease conceivable. 

The utilization of AI is anticipated to lessen the workload of thorough inspections while facilitating the early identification of issues. Professor Shin Dong-hun of the Department of Neurology in the Gachon University Gil Hospital VIP Health Promotion Center has explored this technology. The hospital recently introduced a health checkup program for Parkinson's disease and dementia using AI, in which the conditions can be detected through brain MRI and checking the degree of brain atrophy. 

Heuron, a software development business specializing in artificial intelligence-based brain disorder diagnostic aids, provided the diagnostic test. Professor Shin launched Heuron as a bio venture firm based on his research findings. Heuron created diagnostic software that may be used in clinical settings after receiving technology transfer from the medical team at Gachon University Gil Hospital and other medical professionals. 

These initiatives have received clinical validation from international publications. It has further received certification from Korea and Europe, he said. Notably, "Heuron NI" is the first and only artificial intelligence-based tool in the world capable of detecting Parkinson's disease using an MRI without nuclear medicine procedures. He emphasized that such technology provides patients with detailed test results in the early stages. Thus, the public has responded well and anticipates that using brain MRI and AI for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases will significantly assist patients in the future. 

김채원 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

<저작권자 © 강남포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>