Scientists from Duke University, Harvard University, and the University of Otago have introduced a groundbreaking tool called DunedinPACNI, which uses a single AI brain scan to reveal an individual’s biological aging rate. This tool, developed through extensive analysis of data from the Dunedin Study—which has tracked over 1,000 people since the 1970s—provides a non-invasive way to monitor aging and its health risks. By linking brain aging with physical decline, the tool may revolutionize preventive medicine by enabling early detection of health risks and personalized wellness strategies.
The DunedinPACNI was named after the Dunedin Study, which has meticulously tracked the health and development of over 1,000 participants for decades. Researchers analyzed a wide range of data points, including blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels, glucose metabolism, kidney function, and even dental health, to create a unique ‘aging score’ for each participant. The new MRI-based AI brain scan can predict this score with remarkable accuracy from a scan taken at age 45, offering a glimpse into how aging is progressing at a cellular and structural level.
Participants with higher aging scores showed early signs of memory-related brain changes, such as shrinkage of the hippocampus, a region critical for memory formation. Follow-up studies on people aged 52 to 89 revealed that those with faster aging rates were 60% more likely to develop dementia, 18% more likely to be diagnosed with chronic illnesses, and 40% more likely to die within the same period compared to their peers with slower aging rates. These findings underscore the strong connection between brain aging and overall physical decline, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
The team believes that DunedinPACNI has the potential to transform preventive medicine. By identifying health risks at an early stage, individuals at risk could be motivated to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress. Healthcare providers could also use the tool to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and develop strategies to slow the progression of age-related diseases. This could lead to more personalized and proactive approaches to health management, reducing the burden of chronic diseases on individuals and healthcare systems.
DunedinPACNI offers a significant advantage over traditional blood tests by providing a non-invasive, comprehensive view of biological aging. A single AI brain scan can reveal insights that would otherwise require extensive and invasive testing over a lifetime. This innovation comes at a crucial time as chronic diseases continue to rise in prevalence, making early detection and intervention more important than ever. The tool may become a key component in predicting health outcomes and developing tailored wellness strategies, ultimately contributing to better health and longevity.