A groundbreaking strategy to confront the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's disease. CUHK has announced the creation of a pre-dementia detection program based on AI technology, aimed at 2,700 elderly residents of Wong Tai Sin, one of Hong Kong's wealthiest neighborhoods. The program is called 'BEAT AD@WTS' and will be supported by the Charles K Kao Foundation.

The goal is to identify individuals at risk of developing dementia and provide them with tailored advice to prevent its appearance. The screening process will take place at two senior welfare centers in Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, where most of the residents are elderly people. Participants will be asked to undergo a basic life assessment that includes vascular risk factors, physical activity, social interaction, and diet.

Subsequently, they will undergo retinal AI testing and cognitive tests. The accurate diagnosis of dementia can only be anticipated if interventions are made before the amyloid proteins in the brain are damaged. However, it is not just about prevention; it also involves managing other risk factors, such as lack of physical activity, social isolation, or malnutrition, which can contribute to the formation of neuroprotective structures that later may lead to dementia.

According to Professor Vincent Mok Chung-tong, director of the pre-detection project, Hong Kong residents are facing an increasing problem: dental care. That's why it is necessary to address this issue in advance. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial element in preventing dementia.

AI could help identify early signs of mental deterioration through neurological changes in neurons. Moreover, AI exams can provide detailed information on each individual's lifestyle behaviors, allowing for more accurate and personalized diagnoses. The 'BEAT AD@WTS' program will take place from January to February 2027, requiring participants to be residents of Wong Tai Sin aged 79 or younger without prior dental diagnoses or neurological conditions such as brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, or Parkinson's disease.

The screening test will be conducted at two senior welfare centers in Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, where most of the residents are elderly people. In conclusion, this innovation represents an important step towards dementia prevention, which is a growing problem for Hong Kong society. With AI assistance, it is hoped that we can anticipate the consequences of dental care and prevent its appearance, thus avoiding further complications and costs.