Medical Delta Program ‘Advanced brain imaging for diagnosis and prediction of dementia’

Approximately 55 million people worldwide live with dementia. This number is expected to triple by 2050. The progression of dementia can be slowed, and the risk of dementia can be reduced with preventive interventions. These interventions are most effective when individuals at high risk of dementia are identified at an early stage.

The increasing number of patients in the aging population also requires an efficient diagnostic approach, utilizing advanced technologies for those who would benefit the most. The Medical Delta Program 'Advanced brain imaging for diagnosis and prediction of dementia' is committed to this effort.

Diagnoses outside the hospital

Previously, research and development into dementia diagnostics has focused on improving this in a hospital setting. This involves the application of new technologies such as advanced imaging and image analysis techniques. Following this, quantitative imaging methods have been developed in the scientific program ‘Medical Delta Diagnostics 3.0: Dementia and stroke’ during 2019-2024. Advanced AI techniques have also been created to recognize ‘biomarkers’ for dementia on images.

The Medical Delta Program 'Advanced brain imaging for diagnosis and prediction of dementia' aims to accurately differentiate between people at high and low dementia risk already outside the hospital. For high-risk patients, the program then aims to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses with advanced imaging and image analysis techniques. The aim is to use analysis tools effectively, sustainably and affordably, and determine which test is most appropriate for whom and when.

Personalised disease prediction and earlier diagnosis

The program builds on previous academic findings and adds the preclinical phase, including by involving general practitioners and patient associations. Implementation specialists ensure the transition from innovation to practice. Ultimately, this should lead to personalized disease prediction and earlier diagnosis.

Goals

The programme consists of three work packages, each with its own purpose:

• implementation of prediction models with imaging information in the preclinical setting; 
• implementation of advanced imaging technology and analysis in outpatient image acquisition; 
• implementation of technology in multidisciplinary decision-making

The program is a continuation of the scientific program Medical Delta Diagnostics 3.0: Dementia and stroke.

Contact

For more information or if you're interested in participating, please contact one of our innovation managers.