Quantum-Enabled Brain Imaging: A Pathway to Clinical Utility

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In this project, we will realise the potential of quantum technology for diagnosing and managing treatment of dementia. OPM-MEG is a new type of brain scan that uses quantum sensors to measure the tiny magnetic fields generated by the brain. In this way, OPM-MEG assesses electrical currents flowing through brain cells, and provides assessment of brain activity. OPM-MEG is wearable (it looks like a bike helmet) and patient friendly, it can be used in all ages (babies to adults), and patients can move (even go for a walk!) during a scan. It requires less infrastructure than conventional systems and significantly outperforms even the most advanced scanners currently in use.Brain health represents an enormous challenge for 21st century healthcare. In the UK, there are \>900,000 people living with dementia, and the disease costs the economy ~£35 billion per year. With an aging population, these figures are predicted to increase. Although there is no cure, there have been recent promising developments: new blood tests aid diagnosis, and new treatments have slowed memory decline. However, there remains no way to track disease progression, measure the effect of treatment, or assess new treatments. Further, there is a pressing need to diagnose different disease sub-types to select the best treatment for each individual. OPM-MEG offers significant promise in this area.Our project will develop a new type of OPM-MEG for dementia. To make our technology fit for purpose, we will overcome existing barriers by developing novel solutions. In particular, we will develop the hardware and software required to simplify the system, making it easier to use, more accurate, and faster to operate. In addition, we will develop cloud-based data processing, enabling results of a scan to be delivered more efficiently. The result will be a 'next-generation' device ready for translation, with both improved patient and operator experience.We will partner with the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), which hosts a world-leading dementia clinic, the Oxford Brain Health Clinic. OPM-MEG will be installed and patients will be offered a scan. Working with the Oxford team, we will demonstrate feasibility of gathering data in large numbers of dementia patients, which will ultimately lead to more personalised treatments. In this way, the OPM-MEG at OHBA will act as a prototype for a clinical technology, demonstrating feasibility in dementia, whilst also establishing a basis for future use in other brain health applications.