Using AI to diagnose Dementia with Vistim Labs James Hamet + Jason LIVE at iConnections | E1757 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Vistum Labs is using AI and hardware to tackle the diagnostic challenges in Alzheimer's disease. Their unique brain scan technology can analyze how the brain processes visual information, providing early detection and tracking capabilities. The company aims to revolutionize neurological care and improve the diagnostic process for patients.

Key Insights

• 🥰 AI is making significant progress in various areas, including business, generative art, and healthcare.
• 🛄 Early detection is crucial in Alzheimer's disease, and Vistum Labs aims to address the diagnostic challenges using AI and hardware.
• 🧠 Vistum Labs' brain scan technology offers a unique approach to assessing cognitive performance and predicting results of traditional tests like PET scans.
• 🌱 The company plans to launch in the market later this year, starting with clinics, and has future aspirations to expand into other disease areas.
• 😨 Preventative care, behavioral changes, and healthy lifestyle choices can play a significant role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other diseases.

Transcript

now idea people are fine but the truth is there's a couple hundred people in the room and last night we all had 20 or 30 ideas while we were sleeping they're called dreams some of them might have been nightmares so collectively we all had 500 ideas of those ideas in the 500 there's three billion dollar ideas in there ideas mean nothing all that mat... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Vistum Labs' brain scan technology work?

Vistum Labs leverages existing EEG devices to measure brain activity while patients watch visual stimuli. Their AI analyzes the EEG data to identify areas of the brain that struggle to interpret certain images, providing insights into potential damage or cognitive decline.

Q: What are the advantages of early detection and tracking for Alzheimer's disease?

Early detection allows for timely interventions and treatment, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. Vistum Labs' technology offers faster and more affordable testing, enabling regular screenings and proactive management of Alzheimer's disease.

Q: How does Vistum Labs plan to bring their product to market?

Vistum Labs will launch their product with clinics later this year. They have obtained FDA exemption as a cognitive assessment aid, allowing them to provide AI-generated endpoints that align with traditional diagnostic tests. They aim to be profitable by Q1 of the following year.

Q: What is the cost of Vistum Labs' brain scan technology?

The cost of the EEG device used in Vistum Labs' brain scan technology ranges from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the version and features. However, Vistum Labs does not sell the hardware directly as it leverages existing devices already used by neurologists.

Summary

In this video, James Emmett discusses how AI and hardware can be used to detect and track Alzheimer's disease. He talks about the current challenges in diagnosing the disease and how his company, Vistum Labs, is working on a unique brain scan that can provide early detection of Alzheimer's. By analyzing the brain's processing of visual information, the AI can predict the results of other diagnostic tests such as PET scans and spinal taps. James also discusses the potential for AI in healthcare and the importance of early detection and prevention of diseases.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the biggest barrier to effective neurological care for patients with Alzheimer's disease?

The biggest barrier is the diagnostic piece of the puzzle. The existing tests are individually inconclusive, costly, and invasive. This means that patients often have to pay a lot of money out of pocket and it takes a long time to get the right diagnosis.

Q: How does Vistum Labs solve the diagnostic problem for Alzheimer's disease?

Vistum Labs has developed a brain scan that can analyze how the brain processes visual information. By using this unique scan, they can predict the results of other diagnostic tests, such as PET scans and spinal taps, which are normally expensive and time-consuming.

Q: What is the current process for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease?

Currently, neurologists ask patients questions to evaluate their cognitive ability. These questions are subjective and often fail to provide a conclusive diagnosis. Diagnostic tests like PET scans are usually only done once a patient's symptoms become severe.

Q: How does Vistum Labs' brain scan technology work?

Vistum Labs uses EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brain activity. Patients wear a cap with electrodes and watch videos while their brain activity is recorded. The AI analyzes the correlation between electrode activity and the visual stimuli to determine the presence and severity of brain damage.

Q: Is the hardware used for the brain scan proprietary?

No, the hardware used for the brain scan is not proprietary. Vistum Labs leverages existing EEG equipment that neurologists already have in their clinics. The patient simply needs to wear the EEG cap while watching the videos.

Q: How many people have undergone the brain scan with Vistum Labs?

Over 150 people have participated in the clinical study for Vistum Labs' brain scan technology. The study was conducted at Columbia University and LMU Munich, where data on amyloid and tau protein levels were collected.

Q: What cohorts were included in the study for Vistum Labs' brain scan technology?

The study included healthy elders, individuals with subjective cognitive impairment, individuals with mild cognitive impairment, and diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. The data from these different cohorts were used to train the AI system.

Q: Is Vistum Labs' brain scan technology available in the market yet?

The brain scan technology is not available in the market yet but is expected to be launched in clinics later this year. Vistum Labs is planning to launch in September and already has three clinics lined up.

Q: Does Vistum Labs' brain scan technology fall under FDA approval?

The brain scan technology is exempt from FDA approval. It falls under a special product code as a cognitive assessment aid since it measures cognitive performance rather than claiming to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

Q: How often should people get tested for Alzheimer's using Vistum Labs' brain scan technology?

James suggests that every American should get tested from the age of 45 onwards. Ideally, testing should be done annually or at least once every five years. Early detection is crucial as the brain scan can identify signs of the disease up to 10 years before clinical diagnosis.

Takeaways

Vistum Labs' brain scan technology shows promise in revolutionizing the diagnosis and early detection of Alzheimer's disease. By using AI and EEG, the company has developed a non-invasive and more efficient method to predict the results of other diagnostic tests. Early detection of diseases like Alzheimer's is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Behavioral and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and good sleep, can play a significant role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling early detection, personalized treatments, and preventative measures for various diseases.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Vistum Labs addresses the biggest barrier to effective neurological care: the diagnostic process for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Current tests are individually inconclusive, costly, and invasive.

• The company's AI-powered brain scan technology can predict a patient's performance on tests such as PET scans and spinal taps, providing faster and more accurate results.

• Vistum Labs has collected data from over 150 patients and plans to launch in September with clinics. They envision expanding into other disease states, such as Parkinson's and traumatic brain injuries.