Brain MRI

A dedicated high-resolution look at your brain's structure. Distinct from a whole-body scan, this protocol focuses on detecting early signs of vascular aging, atrophy, and "silent" risk factors for cognitive decline.

Key facts at a glance

The structural side of brain health.

Silent Strokes

Approximately 1 in 5 older adults has had a 'silent' stroke—a small area of damage they never felt but that increases future risk.

~20%

Sensitivity

MRI detects subtle changes (like white matter hyperintensities) decades before they might affect memory or thinking.

High

Atrophy Tracking

We can measure the actual volume of key brain structures (like the hippocampus) to track 'brain age' vs. chronological age.

Volumetric

Safety

Unlike a CT scan, MRI uses magnets and radio waves, making it safe for regular monitoring.

No Radiation

Who this is for

Individuals with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer's.
Those with vascular risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea) which can damage brain vessels.
Anyone establishing a "baseline" of brain volume for future comparison.

What it detects

White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH): Small bright spots on the scan indicating wear-and-tear on small blood vessels.
Microbleeds: Tiny leaks from vessels, often linked to blood pressure issues.
Atrophy: Shrinkage of brain tissue, particularly in the hippocampus (memory center).

Brain MRI vs. Whole-Body MRI

Most "Whole-Body MRI" protocols include a very quick "scout" scan of the brain to check for large tumors or major strokes. A dedicated Brain MRI takes much longer (20-30 minutes just for the head) and uses thinner "slices" to see tiny vascular details and measure volumes accurately. If your goal is cognitive preservation, the dedicated scan is superior.

Is it actionable?

Yes. Finding vascular damage (WMH) is a strong wake-up call to aggressively manage blood pressure, lipids, and sleep. Finding early atrophy can motivate intensive lifestyle interventions (exercise, cognitive training) which have been shown to slow the rate of decline.

References

Research on neuroimaging.

Debette S, et al.. White matter hyperintensities and the risk of dementia — BMJ (2010)
View source
Vermeer SE, et al.. Silent brain infarctions: a systematic review — Lancet Neurol (2007)
View source
Wardlaw JM, et al.. Neuroimaging standards for research into small vessel disease — Lancet Neurol (2013)
View source — STRIVE guidelines for interpreting vascular changes

Content is educational and not medical advice. For personal recommendations, consult your clinician.