一次脑部扫描就能估算衰老速度

Core Insights - A new tool based on brain scan images has been developed to estimate the aging speed of individuals, which can predict risks of dementia, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and early death [1][2] - The tool, named DunedinPACNI, was trained using MRI images from 860 participants at age 45 and validated with data from 42,583 participants in the UK Biobank and 1,737 brain images from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [1][2] Group 1 - The DunedinPACNI model indicates that individuals who age faster perform worse on cognitive tests and experience quicker hippocampal atrophy, leading to a higher likelihood of developing dementia in the coming years [2] - Accelerated agers not only show significant declines in brain function but also have poorer overall health, with a significantly increased probability of common age-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease [2] - The risk of being diagnosed with chronic diseases within a few years is 18% higher for accelerated agers, and their mortality risk is approximately 40% higher [2] Group 2 - The research team acknowledges that the tool is still some distance from clinical application and requires further validation across different age groups, ethnicities, and equipment environments for stability and accuracy [2]