Cancer scanner ‘could help early diagnoses’ of dementia

Doctors at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff have said a scanner used for diagnosing cancer could identify some of the earliest and most difficult to diagnose forms of dementia, adding that its PET scanner could show signs of the condition in people who are not yet showing symptoms.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans reveal how organs and tissues are functioning through the use of a radioactive tracer drug.

A pilot trial has been taking place across the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) over recent months for patients who are suspected of having dementia.

Currently in Wales, 47% of people living with dementia are undiagnosed, compared to 34% of people throughout the rest of the UK.

Dr Chineze Ivenso of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales, said the country was the only region in the UK which does not test in this way.

She added “When it comes to diagnosing dementia, Wales has been lagging behind for some time.

“A PET scanner offers patients the opportunity to have an earlier diagnosis, and in certain cases it offers a more accurate diagnosis. In doing that, we can offer patients an opportunity to have psychological support and lifestyle interventions earlier in the course of their illness.”

A spokesperson from the Welsh Government said “We recognise the importance of timely diagnosis of dementia in helping to manage the condition. We are investing £10m a year to support our dementia action plan, which includes projects across Wales to improve diagnosis rates.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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