Innovative local research using AI to detect mental health conditions and dementia

Today, on World Brain Day, we are excited to announce the introduction of a new type of brain scanner — the first of its kind to be owned by an NHS Trust in England. Integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), this innovative low field technology is currently being tested in our region as part of new research aimed at better understanding mental health conditions and diagnosing dementia.

This initiative is a collaborative partnership with Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU). Researchers from KMPT and KMMS are leading the way and are part of only a small group of people in the UK exploring the potential importance of these scanners in enhancing our understanding of mental health.

One of the first research projects will be a study to determine whether the scanner can help speed up the diagnosis of dementia, and if so, offer one of the biggest changes in decades to the way dementia assessments are conducted.

Dr Joanne Rodda, Senior Lecturer at KMMS and Consultant Psychiatrist at KMPT, explained more about how it might be able to help with dementia: "Our work will begin by testing whether the scanner can make it easier and quicker to diagnose dementia, which is currently one of the biggest challenges we face in healthcare. It could be a huge step forward in speeding up dementia assessments, giving patients their results more quickly wherever they live, and making the whole process fairer and more joined up."

Professor Sukhi Shergill, Director of Research for KMPT and Director of Research at KMMS, highlights how research can help in treating mental illness: "This opportunity could lead to breakthroughs in understanding a number of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. We want to examine the networks in people's brains, over time and at scale, to see how they differ with developing mental illness.

"By investigating brain connectivity and its structure, we can identify links with symptoms and determine which treatments can help restore healthy brain connections."

Low-field scanners are smaller, more affordable, and portable compared to traditional MRI scanners. The research will explore if using them in conjunction with AI, which enhances image quality, makes brain scanning more accessible by offering scans in community settings.

Dr Afifa Qazi, Chief Medical Officer at KMPT, expressed her excitement about the trial, stating, "This is an important step for mental health care. We are introducing the first low-field MRI scanner owned by an NHS trust in England. This innovative technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment options for our patients. We are committed to improving mental health care. As an employer, we recognise the importance of giving our staff access to the best resources and training opportunities."

The scanner, housed at the university, is funded by a successful grant application submitted by KMPT to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Dr Pam Lithgow, Director of Technical Services at CCCU, said: "We are proud to be working in partnership with KMPT and KMMS on this exciting new project and thrilled to host the Hyperfine low-field scanner right here at our university. It's a unique and exciting opportunity, with the only NHS owned machine being used in this way.

"Our expert team at Canterbury Christ Church University is ensuring the safe and effective operation of the scanner, playing a key role in supporting our KMMS and KMPT colleagues as they lead on pioneering research initiatives. By working together, we can support the future health of our communities and ensure we deliver the most advanced and effective care options across our region."

Stephen Barnett, Director for NIHR South East Regional Research Delivery Network, concluded: "We very much welcome this exciting new addition to the research infrastructure in our region, made possible through organisations working together in partnership. The low-field MRI scanner creates opportunities for novel clinical research in dementia as well as broader mental health conditions. We are delighted that this important research, with its potential for far reaching impact on understanding and mental health care, is being led from our region."