Abstract
BACKGROUND: Early identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for optimal treatment and management. Deep learning (DL) technologies, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision transformers (ViTs) can provide promising outcomes in AD diagnosis. However, these technologies lack model interpretability and demand substantial computational resources, causing challenges in the resource-constrained environment. Hybrid ViTs can outperform individual ViTs by visualizing key features with limited computational power. This synergy enhances feature extraction and promotes model interpretability. OBJECTIVES: Thus, the authors present an innovative model for classifying AD using MRI images with limited computational resources. METHODS: The authors improved the AD feature-extraction process by modifying the existing ViTs. A CatBoost-based classifier was used to classify the extracted features into multiple classes. RESULTS: The proposed model was generalized using the OASIS dataset. The model obtained an exceptional classification accuracy of 98.8% with a minimal loss of 0.12. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the potential of the proposed AD classification model in providing an interpretable and resource-efficient solution for healthcare centers. To improve model robustness and applicability, subsequent research can include genetic and clinical data.