NHS to test nine technologies to speed up dementia diagnoses
The NHS will trial faster MRI scans and eight other technologies to help people receive dementia diagnoses sooner. The programme aims to ease delays caused by limited scanner capacity and improve access to diagnosis, treatment and support.
Researchers at University College London will test scans that could reduce MRI time from 20 minutes to six at 20 NHS sites, working with Philips, Siemens and GE. The £80 million research programme aims for 92 per cent of patients to be diagnosed within 18 weeks of referral, up from the current 60 per cent; some people now wait more than a year. Other projects include digital cognitive checks, home monitoring and blood tests, with continued funding tied to meeting milestones.
- MRI scans may fall from 20 minutes to six.
- Nine technologies are being tested through an £80 million programme.
- The NHS aims to diagnose 92% within 18 weeks.
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Dementia diagnosis in the NHS currently takes a considerable time. Some patients wait more than a year between initial referral and receiving their diagnosis, which delays their access to treatment and support services.
Currently, about 60 per cent of people referred with suspected dementia receive their diagnosis within 18 weeks. The main challenge is limited MRI scanner capacity, as each scan takes approximately 20 minutes and demand far exceeds available equipment and appointments.
Faster diagnosis would benefit patients by allowing them to access treatment and support sooner. It would also help the NHS manage pressure on its assessment and scanning services.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “NHS trials ultra-fast brain scans and other new tech in bid to diagnose dementia sooner”.