The Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network: A global platform for innovation using data science and artificial intelligence
Authors: Ranson Janice M , Khleifat Ahmad Al , Lyall Donald M , Newby Danielle , Winchester Laura M , Proitsi Petroula , Veldsman Michele , Rittman Timothy , Marzi Sarah , Yao Zhi , Skene Nathan , Bettencourt Conceição , Kormilitzin Andrey , Foote Isabelle F , Golborne Cecilia , Lourida Ilianna , Bucholc Magda , Tang Eugene , Oxtoby Neil P , Bagshaw Peter , Walker Zuzana , Everson Richard , Ballard Clive G , van Duijn Cornelia M , Langa Kenneth M , MacLeod Malcolm , Rockwood Kenneth , Llewellyn David J 
Published: December 2022

Background

The increasing availability of large high‐dimensional data from experimental medicine, population‐based and clinical cohorts, clinical trials, and electronic health records has the potential to transform dementia research. Our ability to make best use of this rich data will depend on utilisation of advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and collaboration across disciplinary and geographic boundaries.

Method

The Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network launched in 20191 to support the growing interest in machine learning and AI. Led by Director Prof David Llewellyn and Deputy Director Dr Janice Ranson, the leadership team additionally includes 5 Theme Leads and 14 Working Group Leads, supported by an international Steering Committee of world‐leading academics. Core funding is provided by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alan Turing Institute and the University of Exeter, with additional support from strategic partners including the UK Dementia Research Institute and the Alzheimer’s Society. Grand Challenges were established at a National Strategy Workshop in June 2020. Multidisciplinary Working Groups were formed to coordinate practical activities in seven key areas: Genetics and omics, experimental medicine, drug discovery and trials optimisation, biomarkers, imaging, dementia prevention, and applied models and digital health. Additional Special Interest Groups coordinate topic specific collaborations.

Result

Membership on 4th February 2022 comprised 1,321 individuals from 61 countries across 6 continents (see Figure). Areas of expertise include dementia research (904; 68%), data science (692; 52%), clinical practice (244; 18%), industry (162; 12%), and regulation (26; 2%). Individual membership is free, and regular knowledge transfer events are provided including a monthly seminar series, talks and workshops, training, networking, and early career development. Each Working Group meets monthly, with multiple grants, reviews, and original research articles in progress. Eight state of the science position papers are in preparation, resulting from a Symposium held in April 2021. In January 2022, 110 early career researchers participated in the Network’s flagship event ‘NEUROHACK’, a 4‐day competitive global hackathon, with pilot grants awarded to those generating the most innovative solutions.

Conclusion

The DEMON Network is a rapidly growing global platform for innovation that is supporting the global dementia research community to collaborate. Find out more at demondementia.com