New research has sparked hope for the diagnosis of dementia. A study, part-funded by the Alzheimer’s Society’s Heather Corrie Impact Fund and published by University College London, suggests that it is possible to reduce the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia to a third of their usual duration.
The results have been hailed as a stride towards eradicating ‘the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis’. The study found that shorter scans would not only be more comfortable and easier for patients but would also allow more people to be scanned at a reduced cost.
The team behind the research stated this could potentially double the number of dementia scans that can be conducted in a single day.
MRI scans often play a crucial role in accurately diagnosing dementia, including ruling out other causes of symptoms and assisting in identifying the type of dementia. Emerging disease-modifying treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab also necessitate an MRI scan prior to commencing treatment and for safety monitoring throughout the course of treatment.
Lowering the cost of scanning would contribute to reducing the overall cost of delivering such treatments. The ADMIRA study (Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Alzheimer’s disease) sought to examine the dependability of rapid MRI scans versus standard clinical scans.
The research team examined 92 individuals in an outpatient environment where an MRI brain scan formed part of their routine clinical evaluation. The accelerated scans were conducted and improved to boost image quality using innovative scanning techniques.
Three neuroradiologists reviewed these scans without knowing whether they were examining fast or standard-of-care scans. The team discovered that the speedier scans cut scanner time by 63% while proving equally dependable as standard-of-care scans for diagnosis and visual assessments.
‘Hugely encouraged’
Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, but one in three people living with the condition haven’t had a diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis isn’t just a label, it’s the first step to getting vital care, support and treatment.
“While MRIs aren’t the only way to diagnosis dementia, very few people with concerns about their cognitive health are offered one as part of the diagnosis process, mainly because they are expensive and not widely available. These faster MRIs, which take less than half the time of standard scans, could help end this postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis, cut costs and potentially give more people access to them.
“MRI scans can be an uncomfortable and daunting experience for patients, so anything we can do to make it an easier process is really positive. So far, this shortened MRI scan has been tested at one specialist centre with one type of MRI scanner, so more research is needed to make sure this works across different types of scanners and a diverse range of people. We’re hugely encouraged by this progress and eager to see how it continues.”
Professor Nick Fox, professor of neurology and director of the Dementia Research Centre at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, said: “As more treatments that can slow or change the course of dementia are being developed, it’s important to make sure MRI scans are available to everyone. This is because people living with dementia often need an MRI scan as part of their diagnosis before they can access these treatments.
“To help make this possible, our team carried out the first study looking at how new imaging techniques – called parallel imaging – could speed up MRI scans in clinics. Their goal is to move closer to a future where every person with dementia can get a diagnosis through a scan.”
The researchers will now expand upon their initial findings by ensuring the method functions effectively across various MRI machines, enabling it to benefit the maximum number of hospitals and clinics nationwide.