Welcome to today’s article, as we combine two popular subjects in technology and health. Regular visitors to our pages and readers of our articles know our content team and guest posters cover a wide range of topics. Browse our catalog of articles, and you’ll find everything from the future of anti-aging and the best massage chairs to regenerative medicine and top tips on tackling loneliness. There’s something for everyone, and we’re confident you’ll find an interesting and informative article to read on your lunch break or to help you learn a new skill.
Followers of the technology industry know Artificial Intelligence is big news at the minute, making headlines worldwide. There are often two main opinions on AI. One set believes it will usher in the dawn of an exciting new era, heralding widespread change. Others fear AI is a massive threat to many jobs and will replace multiple popular occupations, including customer services, copywriting, and trading teams working at the leading sports apps. For example, tools like a pill drug identifier are helping patients and healthcare providers quickly identify medications.
Which side of the fence do you sit? Perhaps you’re a big fan of AI and have already seen enough to convince you the technology will make positive changes to medicine and healthcare. You may be dead against the rise of AI and see it putting millions out of a job, causing unprecedented redundancies across the board. As with many new arrivals in technology, the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.
There’s no Stopping AI
One thing is for sure: there is no stopping AI as it continues to spread across all areas of business. One of the most exciting and interesting aspects of AI is how it is changing the health and wellbeing fields. But how are professionals using the tech to improve your health? We aim to find out in our latest article as we take an in-depth look at the subject.
Keep reading as we investigate how medical professionals are using AI for early disease detection and diagnosis, how doctors use AI to personalize treatment plans, and how AI can assist in chronic disease management. There’s also information on mental health support and preventive healthcare.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand AI’s capabilities and how it’s driving change. Much of the tech mentioned on this page is already used widely, and you can already purchase some of the tech online to help monitor illness and avoid the need to regularly visit a doctor.
Pixabay.com Royalty Free Images
Early Disease Detection
One of the best, most impressive, and useful ways AI can improve health is through the early detection and diagnosis of major diseases. Professionals use AI to analyze huge sets of data, including lab results, imaging scans, and patient history. The results are often much faster and more accurate than those of human doctors who are doing the same job. AI’s speedy results allow doctors to spend their time treating patients, and they’re already reporting positive results.
Did you know that AI algorithms can detect early signs of cancer on scans and MRIs? The earlier cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and the higher the survival rate. AI is also capable of analyzing heart rate data and similar biomarkers to predict major heart conditions before they develop into serious problems. AI-powered wearable devices continuously monitor metrics and send alerts when issues arise.
With neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, AI can spot changes in the brain, allowing intervention and treatment. Neurologists use AI tools to analyze brain scans and cognitive tests, fast-tracking change and improving treatment.
Personalized Treatment
Due to the uniqueness of our bodies and lifestyles, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. Creating personalized treatment plans is another area where AI is already proving beneficial to both experts and patients.
The technology’s algorithm can accurately analyze a person’s genetic makeup, quickly identifying the chances of developing a serious illness. Those results allow doctors to provide more effective treatments and boost survival rates. For example, cancer patients benefit from therapies that target the genetic mutations driving their type of cancer.
Another advantage is prescribing the right dosage, which involves predicting how an individual’s body will metabolize drugs based on personal factors, including genetics. Wearable fitness trackers allow AI to make recommendations on lifestyle changes, including diet, sleep habits, and exercise routines. Together, the right dosage of medicine and smart lifestyle changes create healthier patients.
Disease Management
Let’s now turn our attention to chronic disease management, such as diabetes, and asthma. These conditions require continuous monitoring, and AI plays a critical role in helping sufferers manage their illness.
Diabetes management is more accurate and effective now than ever before as AI analyzes data from glucose monitors, fitness trackers, and diet apps on smartphones and other mobile devices. Algorithms predict blood sugar changes and suggest meal or medication alterations.
AI also predicts asthma attacks by checking environmental factors, like air quality and pollen levels, alongside data from the patient’s history. Sufferers can take preventive measures before symptoms worsen.
Mental Health
With mental health issues rapidly becoming a global issue, AI can help. AI apps allow patients and sufferers to access professional support and personalized care quickly, often without leaving home.
AI chatbots offer support by engaging the patient in conversation. They provide tried-and-true coping strategies, including positive mental health practices. The AI boys can understand questions and respond with empathy, acting as virtual counselors. These measures aren’t viewed as a replacement for qualified counselors but as a vital bridge between the patient and the correct treatment.
Amazingly, AI can analyze speech, facial expressions, and social media use to pick out early signs of anxiety or depression. It’s impressive, but we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg of what AI is capable of in helping with mental health issues.
Preventative Care
As is often the case, prevention is better than cure, and AI plays a role in preventive healthcare by identifying risks. By continuously monitoring key health metrics, AI can advise lifestyle changes or seek medical attention before issues escalate.