Researchers at Texas A&M University Health are building an AI-powered “digital human” system to spot early signs of dementia, such as apathy, before standard cognitive tests would notice them.
AI Screening Aims for Consistency
The project merges facial-expression analysis, biometric signals, and response timing to create a more uniform screening process. Current methods depend on self-reported evaluations, which can differ based on who gives the test.
Mark Benden, department head of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M’s School of Public Health, said using the same digital human for every patient would remove much of that inconsistency. “Incorporating biometric data will improve accuracy,” he said.
The system is still being developed, and hardware and software reliability remain obstacles. Benden expects the tools to become smaller, allowing passive monitoring during daily activities.
At Texas A&M, the researchers aim to gather enough data to make a real impact by the time the technology is ready. Their goal is to change how dementia care is delivered—moving from subjective assessments to objective, repeatable measures.
The transition will take time. Meanwhile, the digital human system is being tested in controlled settings, with plans to expand as the hardware becomes more dependable. The team knows the work is just beginning, but the ability to detect subtle behavioral changes before they worsen is guiding their next steps.
Related: What healthcare leaders ask about private 5G
Such systems may also strengthen clinical resilience by reducing gaps in early detection.
Researchers with the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative at Texas A&M University Health are developing “digital human” systems to help identify early dementia indicators. Courtesy of Texas A&M University
Researchers with the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative at Texas A&M University Health are developing “digital human” systems to help identify early dementia indicators. Courtesy of Texas A&M University
Researchers with the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative at Texas A&M University Health are developing “digital human” systems to help identify early dementia indicators. Courtesy of Texas A&M University
Researchers with the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative at Texas A&M University Health are developing “digital human” systems to help identify early dementia indicators. Courtesy of Texas A&M University
Researchers with the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative at Texas A&M University Health are developing “digital human” systems to help identify early dementia indicators. Courtesy of Texas A&M University