Two new studies presented at the 2025 ISMRM Annual Meeting highlight how advanced MRI and AI are uncovering early signs of disease in people who show no symptoms.

Using Prenuvo’s growing dataset of whole-body MRI scans, the research points to measurable structural changes in the brain and organs linked to lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption and physical activity.

Alcohol linked to brain atrophy and organ enlargement

In a study involving 1,134 adults without alcohol use disorder, those who consumed two or more alcoholic drinks per day showed signs of brain shrinkage—especially in areas linked to memory, motor control, and decision-making. They also had enlarged liver and kidney volumes and increased visceral fat.

The study found statistically significant links between organ enlargement and brain atrophy, independent of other risk factors. Researchers suggest the effects may be driven by metabolic or inflammatory pathways, raising concerns about the long-term impact of habitual alcohol use.

Exercise may offset brain volume loss in depression

A second study, involving 6,458 participants, found that people with a history of depression had smaller brain volumes compared to non-depressed individuals. However, those who exercised regularly—particularly at moderate or vigorous intensity—had less pronounced volume loss.

The findings suggest a protective effect of physical activity, reinforcing the idea that lifestyle choices can influence not just mood, but brain structure itself.

Both studies used Prenuvo’s whole-body MRI data and were conducted in partnership with researchers from Vigilance Health Imaging Network, Washington University in St Louis, UCLA, and other institutions.

A shift toward proactive healthcare

The studies highlight the potential of AI and advanced imaging to detect subtle changes long before symptoms appear. In the depression study, AI reduced scan analysis time from 8 hours to just 35 minutes, making large-scale analysis possible across thousands of individuals.

“These findings show how imaging can reveal silent structural changes that might otherwise be missed,” said Sam Hashemi, VP and Head of AI & Research at Prenuvo. “It gives people the opportunity to take action earlier—and offers clinicians a potential new tool in the push toward preventive care.”

The company continues to build one of the largest normative datasets of whole-body MRI scans, powering research into brain aging, metabolic disease, and the early impact of lifestyle factors on organ health. Prenuvo has now produced over 30 studies presented at major conferences including RSNA, AACR, and ASCO.