Like the rest of the body, the brain undergoes changes over time. Some of these are expected, but others may occur earlier or more rapidly than they should, impacting memory, focus, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive function. The good news is that these changes in brain health are measurable, preventable and even reversible.
Thanks to advanced imaging technology, we have the ability to measure and monitor these neurological changes in detail. Our exclusive full-body MRI screening protocol is enhanced by NeuroQuant and SyMRI, where it’s possible to gain an objective, data-driven understanding of your brain health—well before symptoms appear.
Taking Brain Screening to the Next Level
Our advanced 3T full-body MRI is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging tool used to assess the body for early signs of disease, especially life-limiting conditions such as cancer. It offers detailed imaging of organs, joints, and soft tissues without radiation or contrast agents.
By incorporating NeuroQuant and SyMRI into this screening process, we add a critical layer: the ability to evaluate brain structure, tissue quality, and subtle changes that may indicate accelerated ageing or stress-related impacts on the brain. When measured over time, this offers insight in the rate of ageing, while also providing quantitative feedback in protective measures implemented to support mental longevity.
Understanding Brain Volume Loss
As we age, it’s normal for certain areas of the brain to gradually lose volume. However, when these changes happen earlier or more quickly than expected, they can have a meaningful effect on cognitive and emotional function.
NeuroQuant uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms to measure the volume of specific brain regions and compare them against normative data for your age, sex, and head size.
Key areas of focus include:
- Hippocampus – involved in memory formation and spatial navigation
- Cortical grey matter – responsible for attention, perception, and higher-order thinking
- Amygdala – important for emotional processing and regulation
- Thalamus and ventricles – supporting sensory relay and structural balance
Atypical shrinkage in these areas may be linked to issues such as reduced memory retention, slower processing speed, difficulty concentrating, or emotional dysregulation. While these changes do not necessarily point to disease, they can be an early indicator that the brain is under stress or not receiving optimal support.
The Value of SyMRI: Looking Beyond Structure
While NeuroQuant focuses on volumes, Synthetic MRI (SyMRI) assesses brain tissue quality. It provides quantitative maps of the brain’s white and grey matter, myelin content and cerebral spinal fluid by analysing how water molecules interact with tissue—a method known as relaxometry.
SyMRI helps detect microstructural changes that may indicate:
- Inflammation
- Demyelination (loss of protective nerve insulation)
- Early white matter fatigue
- Imbalances in cerebrospinal fluid and tissue composition
These markers can change well before structural volume loss becomes visible. As a result, SyMRI allows for even earlier identification of potential conditions and can track the impact of interventions over time with great sensitivity.
Of particular interest for asymptomatic, healthy individuals is the early identification of neurodegenerative diseases and demyelination conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Detecting subtle changes in tissue properties at an early stage may support timely intervention, which can reduce the risk of progression or help slow the course of disease (Landfeld et al 2018).
Better Together
When used together, SyMRI and NeuroQuant provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of brain structure and tissue integrity. SyMRI offers quantitative maps of tissue properties such as T1, T2, proton density, and myelin content, while NeuroQuant delivers precise volumetric analysis of key brain regions by comparing them to age-matched normative data. Together, they allow for evaluation of both microstructural (functional) changes and regional brain atrophy to offer a more complete picture of brain health. These tools are particularly valuable when used longitudinally, enabling the early detection of trends over time and supporting proactive clinical decisions aimed at slowing or mitigating neurodegenerative processes.
Can Your Brain Health Be Improved?
Emerging evidence suggests that certain lifestyle interventions may slow, stabilise, or in some cases even partially reverse volume loss in specific regions of the brain. Some of the most well-supported strategies include:
Physical Exercise
Regular aerobic activity has been shown to increase hippocampal volume and enhance grey matter density. Exercise promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and boosts production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein essential for neuroplasticity and cell repair.
Sleep Optimisation
Deep sleep is when the brain performs its “housekeeping” functions, clearing waste and consolidating memory. Ongoing sleep disruption is associated with accelerated atrophy in multiple brain regions. Prioritising quality sleep is fundamental to maintaining brain structure.
Balanced Nutrition
Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, whole foods and low in refined sugar help reduce inflammation and support healthy brain metabolism. Metabolic health, particularly insulin sensitivity, has a strong relationship with brain ageing.
Cognitive Engagement
Lifelong learning, problem-solving, multilingualism, and activities such as playing a musical instrument or strategic games are associated with the preservation of brain volume and cognitive performance.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels have been linked to thinning in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Mindfulness, meditation, and nature exposure can help mitigate these effects and promote structural resilience.
Social Interaction
Maintaining social connection has a measurable impact on cognitive health, particularly in regions related to emotional regulation and memory.
Other New Strategies
Hyperbaric Oxygen
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is increasingly recognised for its potential to support brain health and healthy aging by activating cell-signalling pathways involved in neuromodulation and neuroprotection. Proposed mechanisms include enhanced mitochondrial function, stimulation of stem cell activity, increased vascularisation and cerebral blood flow, promotion of neuronal synapse formation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (Bin-Alamer et al., 2024).
This therapy is currently used to support individuals with brain injuries and has shown promise in the management of certain mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. However, not all hyperbaric pressures deliver the same biological effects. While the optimal pressure, number of sessions, and overall treatment duration remain subjects of ongoing research, there is limited evidence supporting clinical benefit at pressures lower than 1.5 ATA. Of note, pressures such as 1.3 ATA are not currently recognised as delivering validated therapeutic outcomes. In many clinical trials, this pressure range is used as a sham or control condition, highlighting its classification as non-therapeutic in established medical practice.
Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) Light
The therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light to promote tissue healing and regeneration is well established in areas such as pain relief, wound repair, and skin rejuvenation.
In recent years, attention has turned to its potential neuromodulatory effects, particularly in relation to brain health. This modality, also referred to as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, has been investigated for its ability to support neurological recovery and cognitive function. However, a lack of consistency in treatment methods, including variation in wavelength, dose, and delivery technique, has limited the development of clear clinical guidelines. Readers interested in a detailed exploration of the evidence are referred to this systematic review by Filipa et al published in 2024.
While early findings are encouraging, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. The use of this therapy for asymptomatic individuals aiming to enhance cognitive longevity remains an area in need of further study.
Proactive Health, Guided by Data
By combining full-body MRI with NeuroQuant and SyMRI, we offer more than traditional imaging. This is a proactive, whole-person approach to health screening—identifying silent changes in brain and body function that may otherwise go unnoticed until symptoms develop.
Perhaps most importantly, this approach creates a baseline. That means future scans can monitor your progress, assess the impact of lifestyle changes, and help guide your health decisions with precision.
Final Thoughts
Your brain defines how you think, feel, plan, and engage with the world. Supporting its health isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about preserving quality of life, independence, and vitality for the years ahead.
Disclaimer
The information is shared solely for educational and informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. While these approaches may support healthy brain aging, individual needs and responses vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment, supplement, or health regimen. This content is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or care.
References
Landfeldt E, Castelo-Branco A, Svedbom A, Löfroth E, Kavaliunas A, Hillert J. The long-term impact of early treatment of multiple sclerosis on the risk of disability pension. J Neurol. 2018;265(3):701-707. doi:10.1007/s00415-018-8764-4
Bin-Alamer O, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Efrati S, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a neuromodulatory technique: a review of the recent evidence. Front Neurol. 2024;15:1450134. Published 2024 Oct 9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1450134
Fernandes, F., Oliveira, S., Monteiro, F. et al. Devices used for photobiomodulation of the brain—a comprehensive and systematic review. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 21, 53 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01351-8
About the Author
Dr. A. Forbes (PhD) is a medical and science writer with significant clinical and laboratory-based research experience with a particular interest in advancing early detection and oncology treatments. She works with Whole Body MRI Pty Ltd and Mermaid Beach Radiology to facilitate Investigator-Initiated research evaluating novel-imaging based-biomarkers of disease.