USC Researchers Develop AI Model to Map Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Risk
Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed an artificial intelligence model that generates detailed maps of brain aging, potentially aiding in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The model, trained on MRI scans from nearly 15,000 cognitively healthy individuals, provides high-resolution 3D maps that show localized brain age acceleration. This approach moves beyond traditional single-number brain age metrics, offering insights into how different brain regions age. The AI identified premature aging in areas like the hippocampus and amygdala, which are known to be affected early in Alzheimer's disease. The model's findings correlate with cognitive test performance, suggesting its potential as a tool for tracking disease progression and evaluating experimental therapies. 
