A new method for MRI scanning could dramatically increase access to diagnostic imaging for dementia patients in Yorkshire, potentially doubling the capacity of NHS services without the need for additional scanners.
Researchers at University College London’s Functional Imaging Laboratory have developed “ultra-fast” MRI techniques that reduce the time patients spend in the scanner from 20–30 minutes to under seven minutes. Structural imaging, including MRI, is recommended in clinical guidelines to help rule out other causes of cognitive decline and to aid in identifying the type of dementia.
Many patients never receive MRI scans, and those who do are more likely to undergo CT scans, which offer less detailed information. The new approach could allow hospitals to perform MRI scans for twice as many people with suspected dementia, improving access to accurate diagnostics.
MRI scanning can be challenging for patients, particularly those who experience memory difficulties or claustrophobia, because remaining still is essential for high-quality images. By collecting more data simultaneously, the ultra-fast scans reduce the risk of blurred images caused by patient movement. In a test involving 92 volunteers, anonymised scans evaluated by three neuroradiologists were found to be as reliable as standard MRI scans.
The dementia landscape in Yorkshire
Dementia remains a significant health challenge in Yorkshire. According to Public Health England, the diagnosis rate for people aged 65 and over with dementia in Yorkshire and the Humber is approximately 63.2 per cent, slightly below the NHS target of 66.7 per cent.
An estimated 76,000 people in the region are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for nearly half of these cases. Current data from the 2023/24 National Audit of Dementia shows that only 44 per cent of patients attending specialist memory services received a brain scan, highlighting significant variation in service provision.
The shortage of MRI scanners is also a national concern. As seen in the graph below, the UK has 8.6 MRI scanners per million people, among the lowest of comparable countries, and in 2021 only 31.8 per cent of dementia-related brain scans were MRI.
Number of MRI units, CT and PET scanners per million population
Potential impact of Ultra-Fast MRI
By reducing scan time by almost two-thirds, the UCL method could allow hospitals to screen more patients using existing equipment, without the need for costly new scanners, which typically cost around £1 million each. Faster scans may also improve patient experience, particularly for older adults or those in the early stages of dementia who may struggle to remain still.
Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical, particularly with the emergence of treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab, which slow Alzheimer’s progression. Patients require precise diagnosis and follow-up imaging to qualify for these therapies and to monitor potential side effects.
Alzheimer’s UK have emphasised that one in three people living with dementia in the UK have not received a formal diagnosis. Increasing access to MRI could help reduce this postcode lottery and ensure that more people receive the care they need.
Next steps
The UCL team plans to work with hospitals to trial ultra-fast MRI across different scanners and patient groups. While initial results are promising, further research is needed to confirm that the method is reliable in diverse clinical settings.
For Yorkshire, the technique represents an opportunity to improve access to gold-standard diagnostic imaging, increase efficiency in memory assessment services, and support timely interventions for patients with dementia. As the population ages and demand for diagnostic services grows, innovations like ultra-fast MRI could play a pivotal role in closing the region’s dementia diagnosis gap.