Faster MRI Scans for Dementia Diagnosis
Researchers at University College London have made a breakthrough in reducing the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia to one third of their standard length.
MRI scans play a crucial role in accurate dementia diagnosis, helping to rule out other causes of symptoms and determine the type of dementia. By shortening the scan time, patients will experience a more comfortable and easier experience, and more people can be scanned at a lower cost.
Cutting the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia has been described as a step towards ending ‘the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis’.
- Shorter scans can at least double the number of dementia scans done in one day.
- Emerging disease-modifying treatments, such as lecanemab and donaneb, require an MRI scan before starting treatment and for safety monitoring.
Author's summary: Faster MRI scans bring new hope for dementia diagnosis.