How AI is advancing neurodegenerative disease research

Neurodegenerative Disease Research

In this guest editorial, explore how artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful tool for drug discovery

As part of the SelectScience Advances in Drug Discovery Special Feature, guest editors Dr. Matthias Fassler, Genedata, and Daniel O’Connor, Molecular Devices, take a look at how the combination of automated imaging and deep learning is addressing research challenges and highlight how this approach helps accelerate drug development.

The prevalence of neurological disorders is on the rise, with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s cases estimated in the millions. To combat this trend, many researchers are turning to artificial intelligence (AI)1, which has proved useful for identifying complex disorders and aiding in optimized interventions. AI technology predicts cognitive impairment and anticipates how severely motor skills might decline over time thereby helping to accelerate patient diagnoses and improve prognoses for neurodegenerative diseases2. Scientists can also employ AI to discover potential drug and biological targets that could lead to better treatments.

In a recent study, researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital developed an AI platform to detect a range of neurodegenerative diseases in human brain tissue samples. Their work is expected to help scientists develop targeted biomarkers and therapeutics3, leading to more efficient and accurate diagnoses of complex brain diseases. These exciting advancements are unleashing an ability to design therapies tailored for individual patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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