A Novel Approach of Diffusion Tensor Visualization Based Neuro Fuzzy Classification System for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

This study examined early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by diffusion tensor visualization-based methodology and neuro-fuzzy tools. Initially, we proposed a model for the early detection of AD using the measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient, fractional anisotropy, and gray matter, which can determine neurological disorder patterns and abnormalities in brain white matter. These are used as input parameters into fuzzy tools, and using fuzzy rules, we evaluate the AD score as an output variable that provides a useful platform to physicians in determining the status of the disease. In the second stage, we present an investigative study on AD and used the neuro-fuzzy classification system for pattern recognition of either AD or healthy control. The experimental results are from 20 samples (14 for training, 3 for validation, and 3 for testing) used in an artificial neural network classification system. The neural network is trained with a training algorithm and the performance of the training algorithm is obtained by executing a fuzzy expert system. Out of 20 patients, 9 are AD patients and 11 are healthy control patients. We present a neuro-fuzzy tool as a better classifier for early detection of AD and obtain a satisfactory performance with 100% accuracy.