AI Against Dementia: FZI Talent Receives Gradmann Award
Research focus: Applied Artificial Intelligence
In what ways can technology really help people? It was this question that motivated Florian Mazura. What started as an idea for his master’s thesis was further developed at the FZI as part of the Metis Neurotec research project and put into practice together with project partners. Today, it has evolved into a field-tested AI feature for data-based support of medical decisions in dementia care. Florian Mazura has now been awarded the 2025 Gradmann Award for his master’s thesis “A Medical Decision Support System for Automatic Treatment Plan Generation,” which was supervised at the FZI. The award is endowed with 3,000 euros.
Data-based treatment recommendations support medical decisions
The award honors an AI application that supports medical professionals in treating people with dementia by automatically generating suggestions for suitable treatment plans. The system analyzes known medical cases and uses this information to determine which treatment is most likely to be effective. For example, it suggests
- which therapeutic measures might be appropriate
- how risk factors can be reduced
- which preventive measures are recommended.
This has a major advantage: The treating physicians don’t have to start from scratch every time, but receive data-based suggestions that can be customized individually.
Florian Mazura makes it clear: “AI provides suggestions, but medical expertise remains indispensable. The treatment plan must always be reviewed and adjusted by a physician.”
This understanding also reflects the FZI’s approach to Artificial Intelligence: We develop application-oriented AI that supports users. In the healthcare sector, in particular, the FZI’s goal is to substantially alleviate the workload of medical professionals by leveraging digital solutions and AI-based systems, without diminishing their responsibilities or decision-making authority.
Practical relevance: AI feature from Metis Neurotec already in service
The master’s thesis was written in close collaboration with the FZI as part of the Metis Neurotec research project, which develops digital solutions for better care for people with dementia. Notably, Florian Mazura’s work is already being utilized by medical and therapeutic professionals at a clinic in Reutlingen as part of the ALLIANZ project, and a modified version of the entire system is being employed in the living@home project at KIT. Together with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the project is testing ways to relieve the burden on family members who care for people with dementia at home. The jury praised the high benefit for care. Rainer Lechner, Chairman of the Gradmann Foundation, emphasized the social impact: “The topic of ‘digitalization and dementia’ is being consistently implemented here. AI-supported systems increase efficiency and close gaps in care.”
From university to the FZI – and soon to a doctorate
After completing his master’s degree in electrical engineering and information technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Florian Mazura started working as a research scientist in the Embedded Systems and Sensors Engineering department at the FZI. The award motivates him to continue his research in the field of medical information technology. He is currently planning his doctoral thesis on the topic of “User-Centered Digital Infrastructures for Improved Continuity of Outpatient and Home-Based Care.”
About the Gradmann Sponsorship Award
The Gradmann Award is presented biannually by the Erich and Liselotte Gradmann Foundation in Ostfildern for outstanding scientific work relating to the care of people with dementia. The foundation has been engaged in the field of nursing and dementia care since 1991.