Dr Hà Thị Thanh Hương, 34, has developed an AI-powered brain training app to assist Vietnamese elderly with Alzheimer’s. In April, she was named one of the 10 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Faces of 2023. Inner Sanctum spoke with her about her efforts as a scientist.

Inner Sanctum: Can you tell us more about the AI project for Alzheimer's patients?

The project is the first in Việt Nam to apply AI to diagnose and monitor Alzheimer’s disease. The software uses XG-Boost and 3D-ResNet algorithms to train and test the ability to classify Alzheimer’s patients and those with normal cognition based on brain MRI images, with an accuracy rate of up to 96.2 per cent.

The Brain Health Lab has connected with around 300 doctors across 42 hospitals in Việt Nam, and we expect to expand this network in the future.

Inner Sanctum: How did the idea for the project come about?

It began when I was in high school and accompanied my relative to a mental hospital. Witnessing the pain caused by this disease pushed me to delve deeper into neuroscience. I told myself that I had to improve the situation.

To achieve this, I won a scholarship to study neuroscience at Stanford University in 2012. After completing my doctoral thesis in 2018, I returned to work at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at International University.

During my research, I found that Alzheimer’s, a leading cause of death among the elderly, was becoming more common and placing a significant burden on the local healthcare system. Việt Nam is ranked 7th in the world for ageing populations, yet facilities to address Alzheimer’s are severely lacking. In 2018, there were only about 10 centres capable of diagnosing dementia, while 5 to 6 per cent of people over 60 were affected. This is where the project began.

Now, the Brain Health Lab, which I co-founded, focuses on addressing brain health issues, particularly those specific to Việt Nam. We design intervention methods to help limit cognitive decline in the elderly and reduce stress.

Inner Sanctum: It sounds like challenging work. How do you manage it?

It is challenging. Research is difficult, writing articles is hard, securing funding is tough, and finding clinical partners can be even more difficult.

The rewards, however, are worth it. For example, I get to work with students and see their growth and passion at each stage. Recently, I heard from Military Hospital 175 that a patient using our group’s product showed significant improvement, which made all the challenges feel worthwhile.

What I’m doing may not immediately change the overall mental health picture in Việt Nam, but I believe my colleagues and future generations of students will continue this work. Learning from those around me—patients, colleagues, and students—has been the most effective way forward.

Inner Sanctum: How do you balance being both a scientist and a mother?

I’m lucky to have the support of my husband and family with the children and housework. Outside the research lab, I love to cook and care for my children, just like anyone else.

I believe that being a mother is similar to being a scientist—you have to learn new things every day. My medical knowledge has been helpful when taking care of my children, but I admit that having a scientist mother can be tough for them. I can be strict, and I don’t always have much time for them.

As a mother, I remind myself to find quiet moments to reflect and adjust. Just like research, motherhood is about constant learning.

Inner Sanctum: What message would you like to share with the younger generation of women?

Women in the 21st century have countless career options. Whether you choose to be a football player, a lawyer, or a scientist, no one should judge your choice. However, no matter which path you take, it won’t be easy. Effort is key.

When pursuing a project or a career, don't worry if you think you lack talent. Talent plays a small part in success—effort and determination are far more important. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations forces you to grow, overcome your limits, and achieve your goals.VNS

Lauded and awarded In addition to her recent recognition, Hương has received numerous awards for her contributions. This year, she was among the 10 winners of the Golden Globe Award 2023 for young scientists and was also selected as one of the 200 Outstanding Teachers Nationwide. In 2022, she was one of three female scientists honoured as an "Outstanding Female Scientist" (L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science) for her health-related research projects. That same year, she and her colleagues won third prize at the 16th National Technical Innovation Competition with their project "Research and Development of an AI and Big Data System to Support Doctors in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Brain MRI Images". In 2020, Hương was one of 15 young researchers worldwide to be awarded the Early Career Award by the International Brain Research Organization, based in France.