Up to £80 million backed for faster dementia diagnosis
UK Research and Innovation has announced up to £80 million in funding to test new approaches aimed at improving dementia diagnosis and reducing waiting times.
Nine technologies will undergo real-world testing in NHS services. They include faster MRI brain scans, blood-based biomarkers, remote cognitive assessment, digital monitoring and artificial intelligence tools.
The programme aims for 92% of people referred for dementia assessment to receive a diagnosis within 18 weeks. Around 60% currently receive a diagnosis within that timeframe, with some people waiting more than a year.
One project will test whether MRI brain scans can be reduced from around 20 minutes to approximately seven minutes. Other projects include a 15-minute remote cognitive assessment, blood tests for dementia biomarkers and technology designed to monitor changes in memory and thinking.
The programme will use a staged funding approach. Projects will need to demonstrate results and meet agreed milestones before receiving further funding.
Testing will take place across NHS services in England and the devolved nations, including work led by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Research Scotland.