Portable MRI Opens New Pathways for Equitable Dementia Research

At the January 2026 Dementia Research Dialogue, Dr. Tavia Evans shared groundbreaking progress on ultra‑low‑field MRI, a new generation of portable, low‑cost scanners that could transform global dementia research and diagnosis. 

Bringing Brain Imaging to Underserved Communities 

As dementia prevalence rises fastest in regions with the fewest MRI machines, ultra‑low‑field MRI offers a practical and scalable solution. These scanners are lightweight, require no shielding, run from standard power outlets, and can be transported in vans or even ambulances—making imaging feasible in rural and low‑resource settings for the first time. Early studies show they can capture clinically meaningful brain images, including key structures like the hippocampus and white‑matter changes relevant to Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia and mild cognitive impairment. 

Accelerating Global Research Participation 

A powerful example comes from the Health and Ageing in Africa Longitudinal Study, where thousands of older adults in rural South Africa will soon receive brain scans directly in their community— something previously impossible due to long travel distances and limited MRI access. This shift enables more inclusive, representative research and rapidly expands global understanding of dementia across understudied populations. 

Strengthening Systems Across the Lifecourse 

Beyond dementia, portable MRI can strengthen diagnostic and research capacity for other conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus and pediatric development. This broad utility means that investments made for dementia research create datasets, training, and infrastructure that can unlock additional funding to bring imaging technologies into remote communities. Examples shared during the session, such as scanners deployed in rural clinics, transit vans and ambulances, demonstrate the potential to scale access and support more resilient health systems across the lifecourse. 

Advancing the WHO Dementia Research Blueprint 

Ultra‑low‑field MRI directly supports several WHO Dementia Research Blueprint priorities, including: 

• Expanding equitable data (Strategic Goal 1): providing imaging in regions with little or no prior data. 
• Improving access to technology: reducing infrastructure barriers and enabling mobile, community‑based imaging.  
• Strengthening capacity in LMICs: supporting training, community engagement, and participation in global imaging networks.  
• Enhancing diagnosis and monitoring (Strategic Goals 5 & 6): offering lower‑cost tools for earlier and more accessible assessment.  

Towards a More Inclusive Future 

As Dr Evans emphasized, ultra‑low‑field MRI is more than a technological innovation—it is a pathway to equity, enabling brain health research in places previously beyond the reach of traditional imaging systems. With continued global collaboration, this technology can help realize the Blueprint’s vision of more accessible, diverse, and impactful dementia research worldwide.