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 hailed 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 number of dementia scans that can be done in a day could at least double.
Cutting the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia has been described as a step towards ending 'the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis'.
New disease-modifying treatments, such as lecanemab and donaneb, also require an MRI scan before starting treatment and for safety monitoring.
Author's summary: Faster MRI scans offer new hope for dementia diagnosis and treatment.