Volumetric and Cortical Thickness Alterations in Alcohol Dependence: Evidence of Accelerated Brain Aging and Clinical Correlations

This study investigated structural brain alterations and accelerated brain aging in individuals with alcohol dependence. Thirty-one alcohol-dependent patients and 26 matched healthy controls underwent high-resolution MRI scanning. Automated volumetric and cortical thickness analyses were performed using the volBrain platform. Results revealed widespread brain volume reductions and cortical thinning in the alcohol group, particularly in frontal, motor, and subcortical regions. Brain-predicted age was significantly higher in patients, suggesting accelerated neurobiological aging. Clinical measures—alcohol severity (MATT), craving (PENN), depression (BDI-II), and anxiety (BAI)—showed specific correlations with regional brain volumes. These findings highlight the structural brain impacts of chronic alcohol use and suggest that brain-predicted age may serve as a useful biomarker for alcohol-related neurodegeneration.