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.
- Shorter scans would be easier and more comfortable for patients.
- They would also mean more people could be scanned at a lower cost.
Cutting the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia is a step towards ending 'the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis'.
The team behind the study estimates that this could at least double the number of dementia scans able to be done in one day, also facilitating emerging disease-modifying treatments.
Author's summary: Faster MRI scans improve dementia diagnosis.