Can Brain Scans Predict If I Will Get Dementia?
Scientists are making exciting progress in using brain scans to predict who might develop dementia years before symptoms appear. This could lead to earlier treatments and better outcomes for patients.
Recent studies have looked at different types of brain scans to spot early signs of dementia. One approach uses MRI scans to measure brain shrinkage and changes in brain structure[1]. Another uses PET scans to detect buildup of abnormal proteins like amyloid, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease[7].
A 2025 study found that combining amyloid PET scans with MRI scans improved predictions of which patients with mild cognitive impairment would progress to Alzheimer’s disease[17]. The researchers said this integrated approach could help identify high-risk patients for clinical trials of new treatments.
Interestingly, even simple vision tests might provide early clues. A large study in England found that poor performance on a visual processing speed test predicted dementia diagnosis up to 12 years later[4][11]. The researchers think this may be because areas of the brain involved in vision are affected early in dementia.
Artificial intelligence is also enhancing the predictive power of brain scans. In 2025, scientists developed an AI system that could detect subtle changes in brain MRI scans over time[13]. This type of tool may eventually help doctors track brain aging and cognitive decline more precisely.
While these advances are promising, brain scans can’t yet definitively predict if an individual will develop dementia. Many factors influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Current prediction methods are not perfect.
Additionally, widespread use of predictive brain scans faces some practical hurdles. The scans can be expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. There are also ethical questions about testing people years before treatments are available.
For now, the best ways to reduce dementia risk remain lifestyle factors like exercise, healthy diet, social engagement, and managing conditions like high blood pressure. But as scanning technology improves, it may one day allow for very early detection and prevention of cognitive decline.
In the future, a combination of brain scans, genetic tests, and other biomarkers may provide a clearer picture of an individual’s dementia risk. This could enable more personalized prevention strategies and treatments. While we’re not there yet, the rapid progress in this field offers hope for better ways to predict and prevent dementia.
