Biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neurology
• Global Health

Background:

• Dementia burden is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with aging populations.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for dementia diagnosis but access and trained personnel are limited in LMICs.
• The Scan With Me (SWiM) program addresses this gap by upskilling radiographers for optimized dementia MRI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on the SWiM training program.
• To enhance MRI acquisition skills for dementia imaging in LMICs.
• To foster a network for improved diagnostic capabilities and data collection.

Main Methods:

• SWiM is a free train-the-trainer initiative using RAD-AID's Teach-Try-Use strategy.
• Combines virtual learning, expert lectures, and hands-on scanning sessions over 8 weeks.
• Participants developed and optimized dementia imaging protocols using simulated LMIC case reports.

Main Results:

• The second SWiM program trained 96 radiographers from 18 LMIC countries across 29 facilities.
• Specialized training focused on dementia imaging, including hands-on sessions in Kenya and Nigeria.
• Optimized MRI protocols adapted from ADNI standards were developed and will be shared openly.

Conclusions:

• SWiM establishes a collaborative network to improve dementia diagnosis in LMICs.
• The program enables collection of robust datasets for clinical care and tool development.
• This initiative supports advancements in dementia prevention and treatment strategies through enhanced imaging.