Dementia diagnosis in young adults: a machine learning and optimization approach

Abstract

Individuals who are younger and have dementia often start experiencing its symptoms before they turn 65, with cases even documented in people as young as their thirties. Researchers strive for accurate dementia diagnosis to slow or halt its progression. This paper presents a novel Enhanced Dementia Detection and Classification Model (EDCM) comprised of four modules: data acquisition, preprocessing, hyperparameter optimization, and feature extraction/classification. Notably, the model uses texture information from segmented brain images for improved feature extraction, leading to significant gains in both binary and multi-class classification. This is achieved by selecting optimal features via a Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO)-driven enhancement model. Results demonstrate substantial accuracy improvements after optimization. For instance, using an Extra Tree Classifier for "normal" cases, the model achieves 85% accuracy before optimization. However, with GWO-optimized features and hyperparameters, the accuracy jumps to 97%.