A new study from University College London (UCL) has found that MRI scans used to help diagnose dementia can be done in one-third of the usual time.
This breakthrough could lead to faster, more comfortable, and more widely available dementia testing, helping reduce what experts call the “postcode lottery” in access to diagnosis.
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, tested a faster scanning method known as parallel imaging. This technology allows doctors to get high-quality brain images in less time.
Shorter scans would make the process easier for patients—who often find MRI machines uncomfortable—and also allow more people to be scanned each day, reducing costs and waiting times.
Professor Nick Fox, Director of the UCL Dementia Research Center, said MRI scans are key to making an accurate dementia diagnosis.
They help rule out other causes of symptoms and are required before starting new treatments that may slow down the disease, such as lecanemab or donanemab. Making scans quicker and cheaper could help more people access these treatments.
In the study, called ADMIRA (Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Alzheimer’s disease), researchers scanned 92 patients in a clinic setting. Each patient was already scheduled for an MRI as part of their dementia check-up.
Alongside their regular scan, each person also had a fast scan using the new method. The images from both scans were then reviewed by experienced radiologists who didn’t know which ones were from the faster scan.
The team found that the new scans took 63% less time in the machine but still gave the same quality and accuracy for diagnosis. This shows that faster scans could be safely used in clinical settings without sacrificing the results.
Professor Geoff Parker, one of the co-authors, said the team was able to take advantage of new developments in scanner technology to test how fast they could scan while still keeping the images useful for doctors.
Dr. Miguel Rosa-Grilo, the study’s lead author, said they expected the fast scans to do well, but were surprised at how closely they matched the standard ones.
Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society praised the findings. He said that 1 in 3 people with dementia in the UK don’t have a diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important because it opens the door to treatments and care.
He explained that MRIs are not offered to everyone because they are costly and hard to access. These faster scans could change that and give more people the chance to be diagnosed earlier.
The researchers agree that more work is needed before these faster MRIs are widely adopted. So far, the study only used one type of MRI scanner in one center. The team now plans to test the technique with different machines and a wider range of people, to make sure the approach can work in hospitals everywhere.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
For more about brain health, please read studies about Scientists find connection between fungus and Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists find links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study is published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
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