Researchers from Duke University, Harvard University and the University of Otago have developed a new tool that uses a brain MRI scan to estimate a person’s pace of aging. Called DunedinPACE Neuroimaging (DunedinPACNI), the tool can forecast the likelihood of developing age-related diseases, including dementia, while individuals are still in midlife and relatively healthy.
DunedinPACNI was developed from a study that followed the same 1,037 individuals from birth. These participants, have been assessed regularly for health markers, including blood pressure, lung function and metabolic indicators, for over 50 years. The team then applied the tool to brain imaging data from diverse populations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Latin America.
Higher DunedinPACNI scores were also associated with greater overall frailty and increased risk for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The individuals with the fastest aging rates were 18% more likely to develop a chronic illness and 40% more likely to die during the follow-up period.
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