Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Single Brain Scan Could Predict Risk of Age-Related Conditions Like Dementia

Single Brain Scan Could Predict Risk of Age-Related Conditions Like Dementia

Share this article

A new MRI-based biomarker, DunedinPACNI, developed by researchers, can predict individual aging rates from a single brain scan at midlife, enabling early intervention for age-related diseases like dementia.

2 min read

Could a single brain scan predict the risk of age-related conditions like dementia?

An innovative MRI-based biomarker called DunedinPACNI has been developed by researchers from Duke, Harvard, and the University of Otago, which can predict how quickly an individual ages based on a single brain scan performed around age 45. This method not only estimates brain age but also correlates with systemic health and cognitive decline, potentially serving as a non-invasive indicator of overall biological aging.

Scientists found that higher DunedinPACNI scores align with indicators of rapid aging, such as poorer physical and cognitive health, and older physical appearance. The biomarker has shown promising results in validation across large datasets like the UK Biobank and ADNI, outperforming traditional MRI measures such as hippocampal volume. However, further validation across diverse populations is necessary.

This breakthrough offers the possibility of early detection of accelerated aging, enabling timely lifestyle interventions to delay or prevent age-related diseases like dementia. Experts believe that understanding one’s biological age through such scans can motivate proactive health measures, potentially improving longevity and quality of life.

While still in the research phase, DunedinPACNI represents a significant step toward integrating neuroimaging into personalized aging and health management strategies.

"This tool could be a game-changer in early aging detection, helping individuals and clinicians take proactive steps to improve health outcomes." – Expert opinion

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Innovative Toolkit Developed by Researchers to Combat Brain Disorders

Discover how researchers from UC Irvine have developed advanced AAV vector tools to target specific brain cells, opening new pathways for treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and stroke.

Unraveling Unconsciousness: How Different Anesthetics Alter Brainwave Phase Similar Outcomes

New research reveals that different anesthetic drugs induce unconsciousness by causing similar shifts in brainwave phase, offering a potential universal marker for anesthesia monitoring and consciousness studies.

T Cells and Testosterone: Implications for Prostate Cancer Treatment

New research reveals that T cells can sense testosterone, unlocking new potential for personalized prostate cancer therapies by understanding immune hormone interactions.