UAA College of Engineering

Decoding the Interplay of Depression and Diabetes

A project led by Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali
Decoding the Interplay of Depression and Diabetes Across Seasons in Elder Alaska Natives
Depression and Diabetes

Decoding the Interplay of Depression and Diabetes Across Seasons in Elder Alaska Natives

AI-Driven Insights for Improved Health Management
The project aims to unravel the complex relationship between diabetes and depression in Alaska's elder population. Utilizing explainable AI models, this innovative research seeks to provide transparent insights into how environmental and lifestyle factors influence these conditions.

Partially supported by the National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders, this project addresses the critical health disparities faced by Indigenous communities. Research indicates that certain populations, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, face significant health challenges, such as higher incidences of type 2 diabetes and related mental health concerns. By leveraging AI technology, the project aims to detect intricate patterns and connections that are challenging to discern through traditional methods.

As data accumulates, the AI models have the potential to enhance the precision of health recommendations, ultimately improving management strategies and quality of life for Alaska Native elders. This approach is particularly valuable given the unique challenges faced by this population, including the impact of seasonal changes on both physical and mental health

Frequently Asked Questions

The main goal is to explore and understand the complex relationship between diabetes and depression in Alaska Native elders using explainable AI models.

AI helps detect patterns and connections between diabetes, depression, and various environmental and lifestyle factors that are too complex to discern through traditional methods

Alaska Native elders face higher rates of both diabetes and mental health issues compared to the general U.S. population, making this research particularly important for their community.

Explainable AI makes the analytical process transparent, allowing researchers and healthcare providers to understand how the AI models arrive at their conclusions. This transparency is crucial for building trust and implementing effective health strategies

Seasonal changes can impact both physical and mental health. This project aims to uncover how these changes might influence the interplay between diabetes and depression in Alaska Native elders.

The insights gained from this research can lead to more precise health recommendations and improved management strategies for diabetes and depression, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Alaska Native elders.

You can find more information about the National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders on their website: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-health/nrc-alaska-native-elders/index.cshtml

The project is led by Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali and is partially supported by the National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders.