MRI: Brains may look years older in MS and other diseases

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Key Takeaway

MRI scans show that brains of people with MS often look several years older than their real age, suggesting faster brain aging in MS compared with healthy people.

What They Found

Researchers combined results from 65 MRI studies that estimate a person’s “brain age” from brain scans and compared it with their actual age. Across many conditions, brains often looked older than expected, with multiple sclerosis showing one of the largest differences—about 8 years older on average. Other conditions like Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia also showed brains that looked several years older than the person’s real age. The amount of extra “brain age” varied a lot between studies, meaning not everyone with a condition will have the same change. In some disorders the apparent brain aging did not depend on how old the person actually was, while in schizophrenia the gap tended to grow with age.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should know this because an older-looking brain on MRI might help explain symptoms like thinking problems, slowed processing, or fatigue. Think of brain age like a car’s mileage: two cars the same model can have very different wear—higher ‘brain age’ may mean the brain has more wear and tear than expected for the person’s years. Clinicians and therapists might use brain-age information alongside symptoms to guide monitoring or to discuss ways to protect the brain. Researchers and doctors could target treatments or lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, control of other health issues) that help brain health if brain aging is a concern. Families may find it helpful to track changes over time, but this is one piece of information and not a definite prediction of future problems.

Important Considerations

The studies varied a lot, so the average numbers (like 8 years for MS) are estimates and won’t apply to every person with MS. Because methods and groups differed between studies, results should be seen as a broad signal—not a precise test you can use alone for diagnosis or prognosis. More research is needed to know how brain age changes over time in individuals and whether treatments can slow or reverse it.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

Categories:

MS Diagnostics MS Progression Early Research

Article Topics:

Brain age gapClinical translationMRIMachine learningMeta-analysisNeurodegenerationNeuroimaging biomarkerPsychiatry

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like GeroScience often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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