Samsung has taken an innovative step in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases with the launch of The Mind Guardian. It is an artificial intelligence-based video game designed to help identify possible signs of cognitive impairment in people over 55 years old. Thanks to its accessibility y 97% accuracyThis application could become one of the key tools in the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's.
The development of this project has been possible thanks to a multidisciplinary collaboration between Samsung Iberia, the University of Vigo, and various scientific entities, ensuring a high level of reliability in the results. With this new proposal, Samsung reinforces its commitment to the technology applied to cognitive well-being, within its 'Technology with Purpose' initiative.
What is The Mind Guardian and how does it work?
The Mind Guardian It is a gamified application that allows you to evaluate the the memory of the user through a series of interactive exercises. Its main objective is to detect early signs of cognitive impairment so that those affected can see a specialist before the disease progresses to more severe stages. The great advantage of this tool is that any user can complete the tests from the comfort of their home. a 45 minute session.
The video game is designed to tablets with Android operating system and can be downloaded for free from the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store. This makes it accessible to a wide range of people, making early detection of cognitive problems accessible to everyone.
The Three Tests of The Mind Guardian
Users who download this app will encounter three challenges specifically designed to assess different types of memory:
- Episodic memory: A virtual city is presented in which the user must navigate through different locations and memorize a series of elements. They will then be asked to correctly identify them.
- Procedural memory: Here, the user's coordination and agility are tested through an exercise in which they must follow a moving circle with their finger.
- Semantic memory: Related images are presented and the user must select the correct option in relation to their meaning.
Upon completion of these tests, artificial intelligence algorithms analyze the results and determine if there are any signs of cognitive impairment. If so, it is recommended that you consult a specialist for an in-depth evaluation and possible treatment planning.
Why is early detection of cognitive impairment important?
Cognitive decline is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide and is a common symptom in the early stages of diseases like Alzheimer's. In many cases, early detection can make the difference between maintaining a good quality of life for years or experiencing accelerated progression of the disease.
According to Spanish Society of NeurologyIn about 50% of cases, Alzheimer's isn't diagnosed until the disease has reached a moderate stage. This means that many people begin treatment when the disease has already caused significant damage. In fact, between 30% and 50% of patients suffering from some form of dementia never even receive a precise diagnosis.
Have tools like The Mind Guardian It facilitates the identification of early signs of cognitive decline and allows for rapid action. It is estimated that early detection could improve quality of life by up to 10 years and reduce by one 40% the effects of dementia.
A project backed by science
The creation of The Mind Guardian was not an improvised process. Its development began in 2014, with research conducted by the University of Vigo and the University of Santiago de Compostela. In 2016, the Telematics Systems Engineering Group (GIST) of the research center atlanTTic began working on a battery of six video games to evaluate different types of memory through gamification.
Between 2016 and 2023, these video games were tested in day centers and senior citizens' associations, such as the Galician Association of Family Members with Alzheimer's (AFAGA). Studies were conducted with more than 150 users, obtaining a 97% accuracy in the detection of cognitive decline. Finally, The Mind Guardian was designed as an accessible and free app so that any user could benefit from this technology.
Samsung and its commitment to innovation
The launch of The Mind Guardian is part of the program Technology with Purpose Samsung, an initiative that seeks to apply technology to improve people's lives. In 2023, Samsung increased its investment in this initiative by 30%, reaching the 1,52 millones de eurosSince its creation, it has allocated more than 25 millones de euros to projects with social impact.
Samsung has worked with healthcare and artificial intelligence experts to develop this app with high levels of accuracy and usability. The company has dedicated efforts to making the interface user-friendly. intuitive and accessible, allowing anyone over 55 years of age to use it without technical difficulties.
Beyond its impact on public health, The Mind Guardian represents an example of how technology can contribute to social welfare significantly. Addressing cognitive decline is a crucial public health challenge. The Mind Guardian not only offers an accessible and efficient solution for the early detection of memory problems, but also raises public awareness about the importance of this issue.
Thanks to the combination of Artificial Intelligence y Gamification, this tool allows millions of people to have the opportunity to assess your memory in a simple and effective way. With the support of universities, research centers, and experts in the field, Samsung has successfully put technology at the service of cognitive well-being, paving the way for earlier detection and better management of neurodegenerative diseases. Share this news so that other users are informed of the news.