£1m scanner at Nottingham's City Hospital to help with earlier dementia diagnosis

DEMENTIA patients are set to benefit after Nottingham’s City Hospital unveiled a £1 million scanner – which could help diagnose the condition earlier.

PET CT scanners have commonly been used to detect cancer, but recent breakthroughs mean they are also able to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s.

The device at the hospital’s specialist research and treatment centre will allow Nottingham to remain at the forefront of treating the disease.

Dr Simon Hughes, consultant radiologist at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, said: “It’s incredibly important for dementia patients to get an early diagnosis as it opens up the ability for them to plan their lives and their future, as well as getting the right treatment.

“We know that about two out of three people die with dementia without getting a diagnosis. That’s shocking – imagine if that was breast cancer.

“With this scanner we can help make sure people are getting an early diagnosis and the right treatment and advice.”

Richard Bradford, chief executive of healthcare provider InHealth Group, which has helped fund the scanner, said: “This is an investment for the benefit of patients. The scanner is one of the latest pieces of equipment in the country.

“Nottingham has historically led the way in MRI scanning so to be working with the trust on the PET CT scanner is the next part of that.”

Scott Smith, services manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Nottinghamshire, added: “With one person developing dementia every three minutes in the UK, there is an urgent need to invest more resources in research, care and treatment.

“We hope the new Nottingham PET CT scanner and the research it enables will help us to make further progress in the fight against dementia.”