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New MRI test predicts biological aging and health risks

Duke University researchers developed a method to determine aging pace and associated health risks through brain scans.

July 22, 2025 at 07:33 PM

Scientists can now reveal when you'll die with a simple test

Scientists have developed a method to gauge biological aging through brain scans, predicting health risks.

New test reveals biological aging and mortality risk

Researchers from Duke University have created a method using MRI brain scans to measure biological aging, potentially predicting health risks for individuals in their 40s. The study shows that faster aging is linked to physical changes in the brain, with those identified as 'fast agers' being more likely to face chronic diseases and a higher risk of death within a few years. The tool, named DunedinPACN, assesses various brain features like gray matter volume and hippocampal size, allowing early identification of dementia-related issues. This approach enhances previous aging assessments by focusing specifically on midlife participants, linking faster brain aging to cognitive decline and health complications later in life.

Key Takeaways

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MRI scans can predict biological aging and related health risks.

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Faster brain aging increases chances of developing chronic diseases by 18%.

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Participants experiencing faster aging are 40% more likely to die within a few years.

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The tool analyzes 315 brain features, focusing on midlife assessments.

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Smaller hippocampus size is linked to higher dementia risk.

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This method may reshape preventive healthcare strategies in the coming years.

"What's really cool about this is that we've captured how fast people are aging using data collected in midlife."

Ahmad Hariri highlights the innovative aspect of the aging assessment tool developed.

"The way we age as we get older is quite distinct from how many times we've traveled around the sun."

This comment emphasizes the difference between chronological age and biological aging.

This breakthrough in understanding biological aging through brain scans marks a significant advancement in preventive healthcare. As healthcare evolves, identifying risk factors early could drastically improve outcomes for conditions like dementia and chronic diseases. However, the implications of this technology may lead to ethical dilemmas regarding how this information is utilized and communicated to patients. Will this lead to anxiety around aging, or will it empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health?