Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
The challenge
UKRI’s £80m Dementia Challenge aims to increase the proportion of people diagnosed within 18 weeks of referral to 92%, compared with around 60% currently. Diagnosis often takes more than a year. The projects are funded through the government’s Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme and will receive further support only if real-world testing shows they work.
Technologies entering testing
The nine projects include MRI research seeking to reduce scan times from about 20 minutes to seven, a 15-minute remote cognitive assessment, and blood-based biomarkers for NHS memory services. Other projects will examine brain responses to sound, screen for sleep apnoea, use home sensors and artificial intelligence, or apply AI to medical records, blood tests and cognitive assessments.
Potential impact and funding model
UKRI says earlier diagnosis could support earlier treatment, reduce emergency admissions and help people plan for work, care, finances and family life. The programme uses a fail-fast model, moving away from single long-term grants: projects must meet milestones and demonstrate results to continue receiving funding. Dementia accounted for almost one in eight UK deaths in 2025, when more than 72,000 people died.
