In collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd., Oita University has achieved a significant milestone in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. The teams have developed the first-ever machine-learning model capable of predicting brain amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation using data from a wristband sensor. This groundbreaking model, detailed in the Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy journal on December 12, 2023, promises a more accessible and non-invasive approach to screening for brain Aβ accumulation – a crucial factor in Alzheimer’s disease.
The newly developed machine learning model represents a shift in the detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Traditional methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid testing, are often limited by their high costs, invasiveness, and availability. In contrast, the new model utilizes easily accessible biological and lifestyle data, gathered from wristband sensors and medical consultations. This data includes physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and various lifestyle factors such as social interactions and transportation methods.
The model integrates this comprehensive data to predict the likelihood of brain Aβ accumulation. It has shown promising results, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) evaluation index of 0.79, indicating strong potential for accurate screening. This approach not only makes screening for Alzheimer’s disease more feasible but also reduces the financial and physical burden on patients, especially in regions with limited access to advanced medical testing facilities.
The development of this model is particularly timely, as Japan faces the challenges of a super-aging society with a rising number of dementia patients, says Dr. Hiroshi Matsuda, the lead researcher at Oita University. Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, social isolation, and sleep disorders, along with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s. This model stands as a crucial tool for early detection and intervention, which is essential for the effective management of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research utilized data from a prospective cohort study in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, involving 122 individuals with mild cognitive impairment or subjective memory impairment. The participants, aged 65 and older, wore wristband sensors for about seven days every three months, providing continuous biological data. This data, combined with lifestyle information obtained through medical consultations, was analyzed using machine learning technologies, including support vector machine, Elastic Net, and logistic regression.
The research identified 22 common factors contributing to the prediction of Aβ accumulation, emphasizing the significance of an integrated approach to Alzheimer’s disease prediction. These factors include physical activity, sleep quality, heart rate, and social interaction metrics, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and lifestyle factors in Alzheimer’s development.
This novel approach opens new avenues for Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment, says Dr. Yutaka Tagaya, the Chief Medical Officer at Eisai. It emphasizes the importance of holistic patient data in understanding and predicting the progression of the disease. Furthermore, the model’s non-invasive nature and accessibility make it an invaluable tool in the global fight against Alzheimer’s, offering hope for early detection and intervention in diverse populations.
As Alzheimer’s disease remains a significant global health challenge, advancements like this model are critical. They not only enhance our understanding of the disease but also pave the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies. The collaboration between Oita University and Eisai Co., Ltd. is a testament to the power of combining medical research with cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard in the pursuit of better healthcare solutions.
