RecruitingObservational

Biomarkers and rapid imaging in dementia diagnosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans play an essential part in diagnosing dementia. However, standard scans can take around 30 minutes, which can feel uncomfortable, tiring, and costly. This UK study is investigating whether a new ultra-fast MRI scan can do the same job in only 7 minutes without losing picture quality. Researchers at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery are inviting adults who are already having a routine brain scan, alongside healthy volunteers. If you take part, you will have the rapid 7-minute scan straight after your standard scan. You will also give a small blood sample and spend about 10 minutes doing simple memory and thinking puzzles. The aim is to make dementia testing faster, more comfortable, and more widely available on the NHS in the future. Taking part is voluntary and does not change your regular medical care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of London

Enrolment target

170

Start

21 Mar 2022

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Dementia

What is this study about?

When doctors suspect someone might have dementia or memory difficulties, having an MRI scan of the brain is often a key step. An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain's structure. Right now, a standard brain scan takes about 30 minutes. Lying completely still for that long inside a noisy machine can be difficult and stressful, especially for people who feel anxious, in pain, or uncomfortable in enclosed spaces.

Researchers are developing an ultra-fast scan that takes just 7 minutes. They want to find out whether this quick scan produces images that are just as clear and helpful as the longer version. If successful, it could help hospitals scan more patients each day, shorten waiting lists, and make the whole experience much easier for patients and their families.

Along with the quick scan, researchers are collecting blood samples to look for biological clues (called biomarkers) and carrying out a short 10-minute memory check. Combining fast scans with simple blood tests could transform how dementia is identified across the NHS, making diagnosis quicker, cheaper, and less daunting for everyone.

Key takeaways

Tests whether a 7-minute rapid brain scan works as well as a standard 30-minute scan.
Adds only 7 extra minutes to an already planned hospital MRI appointment.
Includes a simple blood sample and a 10-minute thinking and memory check.
Open to patients scheduled for a routine scan as well as healthy volunteers aged 18 and over.
Participation is entirely voluntary and does not alter your regular NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over. Most participants are patients already attending specialist memory clinics at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery or Darent Valley Hospital who are scheduled for a routine brain MRI. Healthy volunteers, such as the partners or spouses of patients, are also welcome to take part as comparison controls.

To join, you must be able to understand what the study involves and make your own decision to give consent. You also need to feel able to lie still for your regular scan plus the extra 7-minute fast scan, and be happy to provide a small blood sample.

You will not be able to participate if you cannot manage the time required inside an MRI scanner, or if you are unable to have a routine blood test from your arm.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

You are aged 18 or older.
You can make your own informed decision to take part.
You are scheduled for a brain MRI at a participating clinic, or wish to join as a healthy volunteer.
You can comfortably lie still in an MRI machine for about 37 minutes.
You are happy to provide a standard blood sample from your arm.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is designed to fit conveniently around your existing hospital visit. If you are already booked for a regular MRI scan, researchers will simply add the 7-minute fast scan onto the end of your appointment, making the total scanning time around 37 minutes. During the same visit, a healthcare professional will take a routine blood sample from your arm. You will also spend about 10 minutes completing simple memory and thinking tasks with a researcher. You will not need to take any study medications, and there are no extra hospital visits unless you specifically agree to be contacted for future research.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly improve your health, but your involvement could help make dementia diagnosis quicker and kinder for future NHS patients. The physical risks are very low. Giving a blood sample can cause brief stinging, minor bruising, or slight swelling. MRI scanners make loud tapping and humming noises, and the room can feel cool, but the team will give you earplugs, headphones, and warm blankets to help you stay comfortable. Some people feel enclosed or stiff from lying still, but the team will support you throughout. You can choose to stop the scan or leave the study at any time, and this will never affect your normal medical treatment.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery
City only
London, England

Common questions

Will taking part change my normal dementia care or diagnosis?

No. Your medical team will still use your standard NHS scan and usual tests to guide your care and make any decisions.

How long does the scan take in total?

A standard scan takes about 30 minutes, and this study adds just 7 extra minutes to the end, making the total time roughly 37 minutes.

Does the MRI scan hurt?

No, MRI scans are completely painless. The machine can be loud and feels like a snug tunnel, but you will be given ear protection and a call button to hold.

What happens during the thinking test?

A researcher will spend about 10 minutes asking you straightforward questions and guiding you through simple puzzles to check memory and concentration.

What if I feel uncomfortable or want to stop?

You are always in control. You will hold an emergency buzzer in your hand, and the team will stop the scan immediately if you ask them to.

How to find out more

Millie Beament

m.beament@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0)20 3448 4773 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.