Emirates Health Services launches AI ‘Synthetic Memories’ therapy for Alzheimer’s patients

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can detect brain patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, using a single, widely available test. This innovation is expected to transform the way specialists diagnose dementia, enabling earlier and more accurate intervention.

A Breakthrough in Early Detection

According to a study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the AI system—named State Viewer—successfully identified the type of dementia in 88% of cases.

Key findings:

• Specialists were able to interpret brain scans twice as fast.
• Diagnostic accuracy improved to three times higher compared to standard methods.
• The AI was trained on more than 3,600 brain scans, including both dementia patients and cognitively healthy individuals.

One of the major challenges in dementia care is delayed diagnosis, often by several years. This tool directly addresses that gap, allowing doctors to detect dementia at an earlier stage—even when other medical conditions are present.

The advancement also provides critical support for clinics without specialized neurology expertise, ensuring more patients can benefit from early intervention.

Alzheimer’s Therapy Sessions in the UAE

Building on global AI-driven medical innovations, Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced that it is integrating generative AI technologies into Alzheimer’s therapy.

Under its flagship initiative “Synthetic Memories”, launched in May 2025 with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation and Spanish innovation studio Domestic Data Streamers, EHS aims to conduct 100 therapeutic sessions for Alzheimer’s patients by the end of this year.

How the Therapy Works

• Generative AI reconstructs fading memories and creates realistic images.
• Patients are encouraged to recall personal experiences, which are digitally restructured into immersive therapy sessions.
• The project combines psychological treatment with AI models customized with UAE-specific cultural references.

Alia Khoury, a psychologist at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai, described the initiative as the first of its kind in the region, supporting both the emotional wellbeing and cognitive functions of Alzheimer’s patients.

EHS piloted the project in May with 20 therapy sessions for seniors and now aims to expand to 100 sessions. Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital is currently leading the effort, working with psychologists to assess its long-term impact on patients and families.

EHS Showcases AI Projects at Global HealthTech Summit

EHS also participated in the AI in Healthcare Summit organized by World X at the Global HealthTech Exhibition in Dubai.

Mubarka Ibrahim, Acting Executive Director of the Information Sector and Chief AI Officer at EHS, emphasized AI’s role in revolutionizing healthcare and its alignment with international best practices.

The Growing Burden of Dementia

• 55 million people worldwide currently live with dementia.
• Nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed every year.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, and the fifth leading cause of death globally.
• Over 60% of dementia patients live in low- and middle-income countries.

Traditional diagnosis often involves:

• Cognitive assessments
• Blood tests
• Imaging scans
• Clinical interviews
• Specialist referrals

Even with these methods, distinguishing between Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia remains a challenge.

Artificial Intelligence in Early Diagnosis

AI tools are increasingly being applied to detect neurological diseases. Two major areas of progress include:

1. Brain Scan Analysis – Using MRI and PET scans, AI can identify even the smallest changes in brain structure and function with high precision.
2. Retinal Imaging – Emerging studies suggest that changes in the retina may serve as an early biomarker for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, which AI systems can analyze quickly and accurately.

Why This Matters

The Mayo Clinic’s State Viewer tool and EHS’s Synthetic Memories project highlight how AI can:

• Enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
• Support timely treatment decisions.
• Improve the quality of life for patients and families.
• Offer new forms of therapy that blend medical science with psychological care.