This month, new breakthroughs are reshaping dementia research – from faster brain scans and AI-driven diagnosis to next-generation treatments and funding schemes. Across the UK and beyond, researchers are proving that when science moves faster, lives can change sooner. Through supporting bold thinkers, Race Against Dementia is helping drive this shift.
Faster MRI scans offer new hope for diagnosis
Researchers at University College London (UCL) have developed a new imaging technique that could cut the length of brain MRI scans for dementia diagnosis by around two-thirds.
The ADMIRA study (Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Alzheimer’s disease) uses advanced imaging software to speed up data collection without reducing image quality. The technique produced diagnostic results with the same accuracy as standard scans – in a fraction of the time.
The researchers estimate this method could at least double the number of dementia scans completed each day, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment for thousands.
Further studies will confirm the methods’ effectiveness across different scanner types and a broader, more varied patient population.
Rising star award: Dr Wioleta Zelek recognised in Wales
Congratulations to Dr Wioleta Zelek, Race Against Dementia Fellow and winner of the Rising Research Star Award at the 2025 Health and Care Research Wales Awards. Her work explores how inflammation in the brain contributes to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Wioleta aims to develop new therapies capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to directly reduce inflammation in the brain.
Wioleta’s success highlights the next generation of dementia researchers – collaborative, purposeful and focused on making progress.
AI and blood tests transforming diagnosis
A new study launched in Wales is combining artificial intelligence and blood biomarkers to speed up dementia diagnosis. The project, led by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in partnership with Health and Care Research Wales, will trial blood tests that detect Alzheimer’s-related proteins alongside AI tools that help clinicians interpret results.
Diagnosing dementia typically requires lengthy brain scans and often, an invasive lumbar puncture. These time-consuming procedures significantly contribute to long waiting times for diagnosis. In contrast, blood tests are faster, less invasive and much more cost-effective.
By streamlining the diagnostic process, the team aims to reduce waiting times for memory clinic assessments and ensure that people get answers and support sooner.
Repairing the brain’s protective barrier
A new experimental treatment has shown that repairing the blood-brain barrier – a layer of cells that protects the brain from harmful substances – could reverse Alzheimer’s-like damage in mice. Scientists used nanoparticles to deliver targeted therapy that restored barrier function and improved memory performance.
While early-stage and not yet tested in humans, the study adds momentum to growing evidence that blood-brain barrier dysfunction plays a role in dementia. It’s another example of researchers thinking differently and pushing beyond traditional drug approaches.
New AI Innovation Fellowship Scheme
In partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), Race Against Dementia has launched a bold new AI Innovation Fellowship Scheme. The programme will support early-career researchers applying artificial intelligence and machine-learning to tackle dementia from new angles.
Key details:
- Up to £500,000 funding over four to five years, covering salary and project costs.
- Encourages applicants from data science, engineering and industry backgrounds, as well as neuroscience.
- Projects should use AI to address key dementia challenges, from understanding mechanisms and risk factors to improving diagnosis.
- Access to a Formula 1-inspired training programme and EMBO’s prestigious Lab Leadership course
- Applications close 4 December 2025, with fellowships beginning in 2026.
This scheme builds the next generation of leaders in AI-driven dementia research and supports our mission to move ideas from lab to the clinic faster.
Race Against Dementia: Data Challenge II
Also launched this month, the second Race Against Dementia: Data Challenge. In partnership with the Brain Health ARC, the challenge invites and enables researchers to use large datasets to find new insights into dementia. An expert team will provide full technical support, helping researchers from shaping their questions to sharing their results.
By removing barriers to data and offering expert support, the challenge helps accelerate discoveries that could inform earlier diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Key details:
- 31 January 2026 – Applications deadline
- 23 October 2026 – Challenge closes
- Data access free of charge
- Full technical support provided
Faster MRI scans, AI-enabled diagnosis and next-generation treatments all share a common goal: to make progress happen sooner.
