AI project to help detect early stages of Alzheimer’s
The EU-funded VERA project harnesses technologies including artificial intelligence, virtual reality and wearable sensors
A new project has been launched to boost early detection of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
The EU-funded VERA project harnesses technologies including artificial intelligence, virtual reality and wearable sensors to monitor subtle changes in body movement in a bid to help detect early signs of certain conditions.
The project is the result of collaboration between Malta and Sicily, aimed at addressing challenges faced by societies with ageing populations.
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela noted that dementia had a significant impact on patients and their families, with the latter often bearing a substantial part of the associated costs and responsibilities for care.
The project, he said, “has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of the elderly and their carers, by allowing for earlier and more effective intervention”.
European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said the use of emerging technologies in the health sector was leading to a better understanding of certain conditions while raising the effectiveness of patient care.
Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, said that through the use of sensors and AI, “we are continuing to strengthen the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and provide more effective and personalised care”.
He added that initiatives like the VERA project showed how collaboration between different countries was essential to address health challenges, “particularly in a sensitive area such as active ageing”.
The project was supported by collaboration between the health ministry, University of Malta, the University of Kore (Enna), the CNR Parma and the University of Palermo.
The University of Malta is leading a data collection exercise in relation to the project.