Novel MRI Technique Identifies Accelerated Aging and Dementia Risk

A groundbreaking advancement in neuroimaging may soon provide healthcare professionals with a valuable tool for predicting dementia risk and chronic diseases through a single brain MRI scan. The new method, known as the Dunedin Pace of Aging Calculated from NeuroImaging (DunedinPACNI), estimates an individual’s biological age based on specific brain features. This innovative approach, documented in a study published on July 1, 2025, in the journal Nature Aging, reveals significant implications for early intervention in cognitive decline.

The DunedinPACNI tool is the result of extensive research involving over 50,000 brain MRI scans from individuals aged 22 to 98. Researchers found that those whose biological age exceeded their chronological age exhibited not only poorer cognitive function but also accelerated hippocampal atrophy and a heightened risk of dementia. Dr. Ahmad R. Hariri, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and lead author of the study, stated, "Our boldest expectation is for DunedinPACNI to become part of routine clinical care across the lifespan as an index of faster aging that can help physicians identify patients at risk for later poor health well before symptoms appear."

The research builds upon earlier studies from the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, which has tracked over 1,000 individuals born in Dunedin, New Zealand, during 1972-1973. Previous iterations of the aging clock, such as DunedinPACE, utilized blood samples to estimate aging rates, but this limited their applicability. The DunedinPACNI overcomes this challenge by relying solely on MRI data, thereby expanding its potential use in clinical settings where blood samples may not be readily available.

Initial tests of DunedinPACNI on datasets like the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the UK Biobank demonstrated that individuals with higher DunedinPACNI scores were significantly more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. For instance, participants categorized in the top 10% for rapid biological aging faced a 61% increased risk of progressing to MCI or dementia compared to their peers. Furthermore, those with accelerated aging reported worse health outcomes, including higher frailty and poorer self-rated health.

Dr. Hariri emphasized the importance of developing normative reference charts for DunedinPACNI, akin to those utilized for height or BMI. This endeavor aims to provide healthcare professionals with a reliable measure of biological aging relative to chronological age. As the researchers analyze extensive MRI data, they anticipate these norms will be established within a year, paving the way for DunedinPACNI's integration into clinical practice in the near future.

DunedinPACNI not only serves as a screening tool for cognitive impairments but also holds promise as a biomarker for accelerated aging, potentially aiding in the design of clinical trials for Alzheimer's interventions. By identifying individuals at risk earlier, DunedinPACNI may enhance the effectiveness of prevention strategies and treatment outcomes.

The development of DunedinPACNI has garnered support from notable institutions, including the U.S. National Institute on Aging, the UK Medical Research Council, and the New Zealand Health Research Council. As research continues, the implications of this tool could reshape the landscape of dementia risk assessment and aging research, emphasizing the need for early intervention in aging-related health issues.

In conclusion, the DunedinPACNI represents a significant stride in understanding biological aging and its correlation with cognitive decline. The promise of this technology lies in its potential to revolutionize how clinicians approach aging and dementia, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for aging populations worldwide.