In Hong Kong, researchers have developed the first AI tool capable of identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease through a simple retinal scan, offering a non-invasive, accessible solution to a growing global dementia crisis.
In response to Asia-Pacific’s growing dementia crisis, health and longevity leader Humansa has unveiled a pioneering brain health initiative aimed at early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The BrainSpark Program, launched in Hong Kong in collaboration with i-Cognitio Sciences—a spin-off from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)—introduces the world’s first AI model capable of detecting Alzheimer’s risk using retinal fundus photographs alone.
The initiative addresses a critical need: while the average life expectancy in developed Asia-Pacific has climbed to 85 years, one in three individuals aged 85 or older is at risk of dementia. Research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors, underscoring the importance of early detection.
At the heart of the BrainSpark Program is a revolutionary AI-driven tool, i-Cog Brain Health, developed under the leadership of Prof. Vincent Mok, Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine at CUHK and Founding Director of i-Cognitio Sciences. This non-invasive diagnostic system leverages fundus photography—a simple eye scan—to detect signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes 10–15 years before symptoms appear.
The AI model was trained on a dataset of nearly 13,000 retinal images from 648 Alzheimer’s patients and over 3,000 cognitively normal individuals. It demonstrated accuracy levels ranging from 80% to 92% across multi-ethnic, multi-national cohorts. The research was conducted in partnership with leading institutions, including the National University of Singapore, Duke-NUS, Tsinghua University, Mayo Clinic, and Queen’s University Belfast, and was published in The Lancet Digital Health in 2022.
Personalized Brain Health and Longevity Solutions
Beyond diagnostics, the Program incorporates tailor-made lifestyle and longevity strategies, offering medical support, customized supplementation plans, and recommendations for restorative therapies. Participants also have access to Humansa’s signature Future Health Program, which promotes a comprehensive longevity approach through prevention, early detection, and individualized care.
“The retina is an extension of the brain,” explained Prof. Vincent Mok. “Through non-invasive fundus photography, we can detect microvascular changes associated with Alzheimer’s years before symptoms arise—changes often missed by conventional MRI. This gives us a vital window for early intervention.” This program is an innovative step forward—merging AI with personalized care to delay or even prevent cognitive decline. It’s a powerful tool for community and clinical settings alike.
Humansa CEO Don So emphasized the broader vision: “At Humansa, we see aging as a skill, a choice, and a science. Brain health is central to our longevity strategy. Small daily choices—often unnoticed—can determine cognitive outcomes decades later. The BrainSpark Program empowers individuals to take ownership of that future.”
