Researchers investigating if MRI scans detecting neuromelanin pigment can improve Lewy body dementia diagnosis
Researchers at the University of Cambridge are investigating if Neuromelanin Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NM-MRI) can help to diagnose Lewy body dementia.
Neuromelanin Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NM-MRI) looks at brain cells that contain a dark coloured pigment called neuromelanin. Neuromelanin is found in two areas of the brain, the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, which are affected by Lewy body dementia.
The study is being led by John O’Brien, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, and Elena Herrero, Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry.
Professor John O’Brien says:
“The research builds on studies in Parkinson’s disease that showed Neuromelanin MRI can detect the loss of dopamine cells. Since those same cells are lost in Lewy body dementia, it seemed likely the loss would be visible using Neuromelanin MRI.
If this specific MRI were available, people wouldn’t need further investigations. This could also help inform new staging systems that will redefine neurodegenerative disorders by detecting underlying biology.”
Find out more here: https://news.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/could-an-mri-scan-detect-lewy-body-dementia-sooner/