Artificial Intelligence can fast-track better diagnostics, and even a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In an exclusive interview with TODAY, Altman also announced that the OpenAI Foundation is pledging $100 million to Alzheimer’s research. “AI has the potential to dramatically speed up how we discover treatments, improve diagnostics, and hopefully get us closer to a cure,” he said. “This is one of the hardest problems in medicine - and one that affects millions of families. We felt we could help accelerate progress,” Altman added.OpenAI Commits $100 Million For Alzheimer’s Research Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, causing 60-70 percent of cases. It mostly affects adults over the age of 65 and is a leading cause of death and disability. In a statement, OpenAI noted that Alzheimer’s is "one of the toughest problems in medicine". "AI’s ability to reason across complex data could help researchers uncover new insights," it added. Also read: This Common Vaccine At Higher Dose Can More Than Halve Alzheimer’s Risk In Older AdultsThe company will partner with six research institutions to support and accelerate Alzheimer’s researchgenerating new data, helping design new drugs, expanding possible paths to treatment, including repurposing existing FDA-approved molecules. “The OpenAI Foundation’s Alzheimer’s research initiative represents more than scientific progress. It’s a hope for millions of people, families, and anyone concerned about brain health. We applaud bold investments that prioritize speed and rigor, because every day matters. We must accelerate breakthroughs that change what it means to live with, or be at risk for, Alzheimer’s," said Joanne Pike, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the development of toxic amyloid and beta proteins in the brain, which can accumulate in the brain and damage cells responsible for memory.While there is no clear cause of Alzheimer's disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and social isolation.Read More: The One Critical Thing You Should Do To Prevent Alzheimer's DiseaseEarly symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, Alzheimer's disease leads to serious memory loss and affects a person's ability to do everyday tasks.There is no cure for this progressive brain disorder, and in advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition, or infection. These complications can result in death.About 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease. Over seven million people in the US, 65 and older, live with the condition, and over 100,00 die from it annually.