Automated classification of dementia subtypes from post-mortem cortex images

We apply automated classification techniques to determine whether dementia is associated with changes in the physical structure of small blood vessels in the brain. A successful predictive model would imply such an association. The use of measures derived from fractal analysis, and the use of machine learning classification algorithms, allow exploration of highly complex relationships. Results suggest that although physiological differences are difficult to detect, and vary between different areas of brain tissue, there is evidence for such an association. If such changes can be detected from images of post mortem tissue, this implies that investigation of the medical significance of these changes could provide greater understanding of this class of diseases.