Innovations Driving Early Diagnosis of Dementia: A Call for Action
- Jason Mawer
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
The increasing burden of dementia on the NHS and society. Experts argue that digital technologies and AI could enhance early diagnosis, thereby improving treatment efficacy. Recent advancements in disease-modifying drugs and innovative diagnostic methods highlight the potential for better healthcare outcomes. Collaboration across the healthcare system is being urged to expedite the adoption of these solutions.
A recent article by Professor Dag Aarsland and Dr Antonio Ruiz-Gonzalez highlights the crucial role that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies play in tackling the rising dementia crisis in the United Kingdom. Dementia, largely linked to Alzheimer’s disease, currently sees around a quarter of NHS hospital beds occupied by affected patients, and projections indicate that by 2051, two million people in the UK will be living with this condition. Therefore, innovative solutions from the life sciences and health tech sectors are essential, especially in relation to the latest drug developments.
Even with no existing cure for dementia, significant strides are being made. The introduction of new disease-modifying treatments, designed to slow the progression of dementia, has begun, with some already receiving approval from the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The efficacy of these medications, however, hinges on their administration at the earliest stages of the disease; they do little for those with advanced dementia.
An essential avenue for improving patient outcomes is the enhancement of early dementia diagnosis. Unfortunately, current diagnostic systems are falling short of the NHS England’s pre-pandemic targets. Two major challenges stand out: regional disparities in access to diagnostic services, especially in rural areas, and the reliance on cognitive testing methods that can overlook early signs of dementia in individuals with higher education.
The Dementia Health Tech Horizon Scan, a recent report produced by the Health Innovation Network in partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre, sheds light on innovative approaches aimed at improving dementia diagnosis. Notably, digital technology finds itself at the centre of many advancements, with around 60% of identified innovations employing AI.
Remote cognitive assessments are on the rise, designed to permit patients to complete assessments within their own homes. If these developments succeed, they could alleviate the burden on specialist services and provide earlier diagnosis in underserved regions. While these technologies are still in nascent stages, they hold promise for a far-reaching impact on dementia care.
Moreover, MRI-based advancements offer exciting possibilities as new techniques emerge that can detect minute changes in brain structure and blood flow indicative of early dementia. This could greatly improve both diagnostic accuracy and accessibility, essential components of timely diagnosis.
On another front, novel diagnostic tests using non-invasive body fluids are also in development. Unlike traditional methods that often require invasive procedures like lumbar punctures, blood, saliva, and even tears may contain biomarkers linked to dementia. This prospect highlights a future where routine screening could become commonplace.
As thousands of individuals receive dementia diagnoses in the UK annually, harnessing the potential of next-generation drugs relies significantly on the acceleration of effective early diagnostic testing. To realise this goal, collaboration across the healthcare landscape is imperative.
The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health and the Health Innovation Network in South London are already engaged in initiatives aimed at broadening the adoption of healthcare innovations swiftly. A call has been issued to key stakeholders throughout the healthcare system to unite in this endeavour. There is an urgent need to join forces to trial, develop, and implement advancements in dementia diagnosis.
Dr Antonio Ruiz-Gonzalez oversees digital transformation efforts within the health and care sector at the HIN South London, while Professor Dag Aarsland leads the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. Together, they underscore the pressing nature of these advancements in the fight against dementia.
