Singapore's AI-Powered App Detects Pre-Dementia in Seniors with Precision

SINGAPORE - A groundbreaking application developed in Singapore, named Pensieve-AI, is set to revolutionize the early detection of pre-dementia in seniors. The app, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), can accurately identify cognitive impairments in less than five minutes, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of up to 93%. This innovative tool has the potential to replace traditional screening methods, which often require lengthy and convoluted procedures.

The development of Pensieve-AI involved collaboration between the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech). According to Dr. Liew Tau Ming, a senior consultant in the department of psychiatry at SGH, the app allows seniors to complete four drawing tasks using a stylus on a tablet. The AI then analyzes these drawings for signs of cognitive decline. "It takes approximately 3.5 minutes to complete the test, which is significantly shorter than current methods that can last up to 30 minutes," Dr. Liew stated in an interview.

The impetus for developing such technology stems from a pressing public health concern. As Singapore's population ages, the number of individuals living with dementia is projected to rise sharply. By 2030, estimates suggest that approximately 80,000 seniors will be affected by dementia, as reported in a 2023 study published in the Journal of Geriatric Medicine. This alarming trend underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.

A nationwide study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Pensieve-AI was completed in September 2024, involving nearly 1,800 seniors aged 65 and above. Results from this study indicated that the app's performance in detecting pre-dementia was comparable to the current gold standard of detailed cognitive testing. These findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications at the end of March 2025.

The potential rollout of Pensieve-AI is slated for 2026, with hopes that it will be made available at community sites in the form of tablets. However, to maintain the integrity of the testing process, the app will not be available for download on smartphones, preventing users from memorizing drawing tasks.

Mild cognitive impairment, often referred to as pre-dementia, can manifest as frequent memory lapses, difficulty in finding words, or challenges in managing daily tasks. These symptoms can often be mistaken for normal aging, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. According to Dr. Liew, addressing these early signs is crucial. "Pre-dementia often goes unnoticed, but early identification can significantly impact the management of cognitive decline," he emphasized.

The case of 84-year-old Madam Tan Yew Tee illustrates the real-world implications of the app. After participating in the Pensieve-AI study, she was diagnosed with early dementia. Her daughter, Nancy Hoon, expressed gratitude for the app's timely intervention, stating, "I would have thought her forgetfulness was just part of aging. It was only after the diagnosis that I became more understanding of her condition."

Madam Tan's story highlights the broader social implications of early detection. Engaging seniors in community activities has shown to improve their quality of life, as noted by Nancy Hoon, who continues to schedule social activities for her mother. "The socialization seems to have helped stave off the condition. She seems happier and is no longer the woman who sat and daydreamed in front of the television every day," she remarked.

The introduction of Pensieve-AI marks a significant advancement in the fight against dementia, presenting a dual opportunity for enhanced patient care and public health management. As the technology becomes more integrated into routine health screenings, experts anticipate a shift in how cognitive impairments are detected and treated, ultimately leading to better care for the aging population in Singapore and beyond.