Brain volume
Brain and nerve healthThe ratio of total brain volume to total intracranial volume.
Also known as: total brain volume, TBV, whole brain volume
This value typically decreases with age as brain atrophy progresses. Accelerated decline in this ratio beyond age-expected norms may suggest pathological brain volume loss.
Why this matters
Brain volume naturally decreases with age (about 0.2-0.5% per year after age 35), but accelerated shrinkage may indicate neurodegenerative conditions. This ratio accounts for individual differences in head size, making it valuable for tracking changes over time. Significant volume loss can affect cognitive functions including memory, processing speed, and executive function. While some shrinkage is normal aging, excessive loss may warrant further evaluation for conditions like Alzheimer's disease or vascular problems.
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