Dementia is lurking as a silent epidemic in Singapore, with over half of the cases going undetected. A shocking 51.5% of dementia instances remain unrecognized according to the recent Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) 2023 study. This alarming statistic becomes even more concerning considering that nearly 45% of dementia could potentially be prevented through early lifestyle changes.

In a bold move to address this pressing issue, a dedicated research team from the National University Health System (NUHS) has received a generous funding boost of SG$2.33 million from the Singapore Ministry of Health. This support is part of the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) initiative aimed at promoting Healthy and Meaningful Longevity.

Their innovative project, "IMPROVE-COG," is set to revolutionize how we approach cognitive health. By harnessing the strengths of artificial intelligence, community collaboration, and global insights, the initiative aims to move away from late-stage diagnoses toward proactive, lifelong brain care.

The team's cutting-edge approach includes the development of an AI-powered large language model (LLM) that will utilize anonymized real-world data gathered from the DISCOVERY AI platform at NUHS. This powerful tool will analyze a variety of clinical documents to pinpoint individuals at risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, providing a scalable and efficient solution for early risk identification.

Additionally, the team will collaborate with Professor Teo Hock Hai from the NUS School of Computing to incorporate Geographic Information System mapping and spatial analysis. This innovative aspect will allow them to investigate how environmental and social factors—like access to green spaces—interact with cognitive health, ultimately leading to more effective healthcare strategies.

What makes this project particularly groundbreaking is its commitment to cultural relevance. The AI tool will be tailored to reflect the unique needs of Singapore's diverse population, ensuring that anyone, regardless of age, previous diagnoses, or digital skills, can easily engage with it.