Scan gives dementia diagnosis hope

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania say they have been able to identify Alzheimers and another type of dementia from MRI scans, in a development that could reduce the need for invasive tests. Rather than carrying out procedures such as lumbar punctures, the researchers accurately identified and differentiated between Alzheimers and frontotemporal dementia by using the structural patterns on MRI scans. Both diseases can cause the person to be confused and forgetful and can affect their personality, emotions and behaviour. This discovery could make it easier and faster for doctors to diagnose symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Lead researcher Dr Corey McMillan said: This could be used as a screening method and any borderline cases could follow up with the lumbar puncture or PET scan.’