Application of Artificial Intelligence techniques for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease using structural MRI images

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is one of the leading types of dementia for persons aged above 65 worldwide. In order to achieve accurate and timely diagnosis, and for detection of AD in its early stages, numerous Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Computer-aided Diagnostic (CAD) approaches have been proposed using data from brain imaging. In this paper, we review the recent application of AI based CAD systems on AD and its stages, with a particular focus on the use of structural MRI due to its cost effectiveness and lack of ionizing radiation. We will review important factors of different AI techniques pertinent to AD, summarize contributions from different research groups, critically discuss challenges involved and propose directions for future research. Ultimately, it would be ideal for development of a diagnostic framework that could be applicable to not only AD, but to different types of dementia as well in the future.