MRI scans are often vital in confirming a dementia diagnosis, helping doctors rule out other causes and identify the specific type of the condition. They’re also required before and during new treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab, which have shown promise in slowing the disease. Lowering scan times could therefore make these treatments more widely available by cutting costs.
The ADMIRA study (Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Alzheimer’s disease) examined how reliable fast MRI scans are compared with standard ones. Researchers scanned 92 patients already scheduled for routine brain MRIs and then enhanced the faster scans using advanced imaging techniques.
When three neuroradiologists reviewed the images without knowing which were which the shorter scans proved just as effective. The results showed scan times could be reduced by 63% while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, yet one in three people with the condition haven’t had a diagnosis. Faster, more affordable MRI scans could help change that cutting waiting times, costs, and making diagnosis easier for patients.”
He added that while more testing is needed across different hospitals and MRI machines, the findings are an “encouraging step” towards improving access to diagnosis and care.
Professor Nick Fox, Director of the Dementia Research Centre at UCL, said:
“As more treatments emerge that can slow dementia, MRI access becomes essential. Our work shows that using new parallel imaging methods, we can make scans faster and more efficient helping move towards a future where everyone with dementia can get a timely, accurate diagnosis.”
The research team will now test the approach across different MRI systems to ensure it works in diverse settings and benefits as many patients as possible.
