Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have begun a world first study using Field Cycling Imaging to detect the earliest signs of declining brain health, building on the institution’s legacy as the birthplace of the MRI scanner.
The study will focus on cerebral small vessel disease, a common age related brain condition linked to increased risk of stroke and dementia, with researchers aiming to identify changes long before symptoms appear.
Field Cycling Imaging, or FCI, is a specialist type of low field MRI pioneered in Aberdeen which can switch between low and ultra low magnetic fields, allowing scientists to see disease effects that conventional MRI cannot detect.
The next generation FCI scanner has already demonstrated success in imaging after stroke and identifying cancer spread and brain tumours, and researchers now believe it could transform early brain health screening.
Funded by the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office and NHS Grampian Charity, and working in collaboration with Scottish Brain Sciences, the team will explore whether FCI can detect early signs of cerebral small vessel disease and track its progression over time.
Dr Gordon Waiter, Reader and Director of the University of Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, who is co leading the study, said:
“With people living longer it is becoming more pressing that we understand the earliest stages of declining brain health.
“In Scotland we are excellently placed to take on this challenge.
“With support from the Chief Scientists Office of the Scottish Government, NHS Grampian Charity and Scottish Brain Sciences we will use a unique imaging technology developed here at the University of Aberdeen to investigate brain health and help to inform future treatments.
“However, this project could not go ahead without the people of the North East of Scotland.
“Volunteers are a crucial part of our work and our collaboration with Scottish Brain Sciences means we can involve the local population in research that will benefit all of Scotland.”
Dr Nicholas Senn, who co designed the study, said:
“This new arm of research at the University of Aberdeen is underpinned by a talented team of early career researchers working across imaging physics and computer science.
“Our results from the previous PUFFINS2 project which used the previous generation of FCI scanner have already shown that FCI can detect the presence of moderate and severe cerebral small vessel disease.
“The objective of this new study is to use the improved performance of the next generation FCI scanner to determine whether and to what extent FCI can detect earlier disease, and the progression of disease over time.”
The research will also involve additional low field MRI scanning at the Centre for Adaptable Imaging Technologies to explore whether findings from FCI can be replicated using more affordable and portable imaging systems.
Professor Craig Ritchie, Chief Executive and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, said:
“We’ve been delighted to be able to support this important research from our home at BioHub through signposting participants in our IONA Cohort to the work.
“This is a fantastic example of the ’triple helix’ in action where the Life Sciences sector, University and NHS all work in concert to achieve impactful outcomes.
“I’d hope this is the first of many such collaborations here in Aberdeen.”
Professor Mary Joan MacLeod, Chair at The Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, said:
“It’s exciting that Aberdeen is once again at the forefront of advances in imaging.
“We hope this study will show that this technology will make it easier to screen and identify the population who are at risk of developing dementia, so that treatment can be given early.”
One of the first volunteers was John Heatherill, a former engineer involved in early MRI development in Aberdeen during the 1980s.
John said:
“It was great being involved in this groundbreaking technology and I was delighted to contribute in a small way to its success.
“When I received the letter inviting me to be part of the study, the fact that it was to assist in development of new MRI scanners at Aberdeen, I just had to volunteer.”
Lisa Duthie, NHS Grampian Charity Lead, added:
“This innovative research has the potential to transform how changes in brain health are detected, which could have significant implications in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like stroke and dementia in future.
“We’re proud to support the research team to carry out this work, and we are very grateful to all the volunteers whose participation is absolutely vital in making research like this possible.
“This study has real potential to make a lasting difference to people here in Grampian, and further afield, who are at risk of cerebral small vessel disease and the conditions it contributes to.”
Researchers hope the study will ultimately help clinicians identify those most at risk of severe brain decline and intervene earlier to improve long term outcomes.
