We are proud to share a major milestone in inclusive multiple sclerosis (MS) research. In early
December the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC), part of the University at Buffalo,
completed one of the world’s first longitudinal mobile MRI studies in severely progressive MS,
in partnership with The Boston Home (TBH) in Boston, MA. This effort is redefining what is
possible in neuroimaging and expanding access to research for patients long considered
unreachable by conventional MRI.
BNAC researchers collected 1-year follow-up data on 24 residents with severe progressive MS at
The Boston Home and 16 less-severe progressive MS participants from the University at
Buffalo, all scanned from November–December. All scans were performed on the portable
0.064-tesla (T) Hyperfine MRI system, allowing us to bring the scanner directly to the study
participant, rather than requiring individuals who cannot safely or comfortably travel to clinical
imaging sites.
To make this groundbreaking work feasible, BNAC and the Boston Home worked together to
develop a specialized, highly coordinated transfer protocol using a Hoyer lift system, enabling
safe and dignified transportation of fully disabled individuals—some weighing up to 265
pounds—from wheelchairs or beds onto the MRI table. Three trained BNAC operators
positioned each participant with precision and comfort. The quiet ultralow-field scanner allowed
continuous conversation and reassurance, and personalized touches such as playing music helped
patients remain calm and engaged.
This innovative MRI methodology demonstrates, for the first time, that researchers can expand
their understanding of MS by including the most disabled members of the MS community.
Simultaneously in Buffalo, BNAC scanned a control group at baseline and a year later using both
high-resolution 3T and low-resolution 0.064T scanners. This dual-platform dataset will validate
volumetric changes across field strengths and evaluate the feasibility of using ultralow-field MRI
for large-scale longitudinal initiatives such as CASA-MS (Comprehensive Assessment of
Severely Affected Multiple Sclerosis).
All participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and neurological assessments,
including Auditory Tests of Processing Speed (ATOPS), SDMT (Symbol Digit Modalities Test),
the Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (SNRS), and Combined Weighted Imaging and Scoring of
Disability Scale (Combi-WISE). Because physical deterioration in this population often centers
on upper-extremity dexterity and memory/concentration, we utilized highly sensitive tools to
capture these domains.
This ambitious project was made possible through the collaboration of eight BNAC team
members working onsite in Boston with four Boston Home staff to provide coordination,
logistical support, and hands-on assistance throughout the scanning process. This partnership
represents an exceptional model for patient-centered research.

We express our sincere gratitude to Christine Reilly, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The
Boston Home and Alex Burnham, Director of Rehabilitation, whose leadership and support were
essential in enabling this research and for welcoming our team into such a compassionate
community.
The data collected during this intensive week will strengthen upcoming federal grant applications
and accelerate BNAC’s mission to expand research to include those historically left out.
This effort was made possible through the generosity of the Jacquemin Family Foundation,
Annette Funicello Fund, donations from members of the BNAC Advisory Council, and from
many other donors.