15/10/2025
New research alert. 📣
A new study shows it is possible to cut the time for diagnostic MRI scans for dementia to one third of their standard length, reducing the time someone needs to spend in the machine from 20-30 minutes to less than seven minutes!
MRI scans often play a key role in an accurate dementia diagnosis, including ruling out other causes of symptoms and assisting in diagnosing the type of dementia. Emerging disease-modifying treatments also require an MRI scan before starting treatment and for safety monitoring during the course of treatment.
However, very few people with concerns about their cognitive health are offered one as part of the diagnosis process, mainly because they are expensive and not widely available. They can also be an uncomfortable and daunting experience for patients.
These faster MRIs, which could at least double the number of dementia scans able to be done in one day, could help end the postcode lottery in dementia diagnosis, cut costs and potentially give more people access to them.
We’re hugely encouraged by this progress and eager to see how it continues.
The ADMIRA study (Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Alzheimer's disease), published by University College London and part funded by Alzheimer's Society's Heather Corrie Impact Fund, aimed to understand the reliability of fast MRI scans compared to standard-of-care clinical scans.
