Faster MRI Scans for Dementia Diagnosis
A study by University College London, part-funded by Alzheimer's Society's Heather Corrie Impact Fund, has found that diagnostic MRI scans for dementia can be reduced to one third of their standard length.
MRI scans play a crucial role in accurate dementia diagnosis, including ruling out other causes of symptoms and diagnosing the type of dementia. Reducing scan time has been described as a step towards ending the "postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis".
- Shorter scans would be easier and more comfortable for patients.
- More people could be scanned at a lower cost.
- The team behind the study estimates that this could at least double the number of dementia scans that can be done in one day.
Emerging disease-modifying treatments, such as lecanemab and donanemab, require an MRI scan before starting treatment and for safety monitoring during treatment.
cutting the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia has been described as a step towards ending 'the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis'
Author's summary: Faster MRI scans offer new hope for dementia diagnosis and treatment.