Inside a High-End Preventive Clinic: My Experience at YEARS Berlin
The Berlin-based clinic YEARS provides comprehensive preventive medicine, utilizing over 230 biomarkers, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence to identify health risks before clinical symptoms emerge. Under the direction of Dr. Jan Hennings, the facility offers a multi-hour diagnostic program that integrates interdisciplinary medical expertise with research-driven data collection.
Did You Know?
The diagnostic process at YEARS includes a “CNS-Vital-Signs-Test,” a computer-based neurocognitive screening that evaluates brain functions like memory, attention, and reaction time, which patients complete independently outside of the clinical visit.
How the Diagnostic Process Functions
The examination process at YEARS deviates from traditional clinical settings by operating in a boutique-style environment, with patients assigned to private suites. According to reports from the clinic, the assessment begins with AI-assisted skin imaging and 3D body scans to determine body composition, including muscle, fat, and water distribution. Further diagnostic blocks include body plethysmography for lung function, comprehensive organ ultrasounds, and sensory testing for hearing and vision.
The day concludes with a spiroergometry test, where patients perform physical exertion on a stationary bike while connected to ECG electrodes and an oxygen mask. This measures physical performance and cardiopulmonary capacity under load. All data is synthesized into a 70-page health report, which is reviewed during a follow-up consultation with a physician, such as Dr. Ann Netzer, to discuss personalized health recommendations.
The Role of Data and Research
Beyond individual diagnostics, YEARS utilizes patient-consented data to conduct active research. The clinic aims to contribute these findings to the broader medical community and the field of longevity and aging research. By collecting specific metrics—such as hand-grip strength, which serves as an indicator for potential fall risks and future care dependency—the clinic creates a longitudinal health profile for its participants.
Expert Insight:
The shift toward high-end, data-dense preventive screenings represents a move away from reactive, symptom-based healthcare toward proactive risk management. While this model offers individuals unprecedented detail regarding their physiological baseline, the concentration of such technology in private clinics raises questions about the accessibility of advanced diagnostics within the broader, publicly funded healthcare system.
What May Happen Next
As clinics like YEARS continue to integrate AI-driven diagnostics and multi-marker analysis, the integration of these high-resolution health profiles into standard medical practice could become a subject of increased focus for health policymakers. Future developments may see a wider adoption of these screening methods, provided that data privacy standards are maintained and the cost of such intensive diagnostics becomes more feasible for a broader population. If the research gathered by these private entities yields significant breakthroughs in early disease detection, the medical community may look to standardize these testing protocols across more accessible care settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the health checks at YEARS?
The clinic aims to detect health risks at an early stage rather than treating existing diseases, using a combination of over 230 biomarkers, AI-supported imaging, and physical performance testing.
Do patients receive immediate results during their visit?
While some initial findings are discussed during the visit, the full assessment—including a 70-page health report—is provided during a detailed follow-up consultation that occurs approximately two weeks after the initial examination.
Is the data collected used for purposes other than personal health?
Yes, with the explicit consent of the patient, the clinical data is used for research purposes intended to benefit the medical field and society at large, particularly in the area of aging research.
How does the integration of AI in diagnostic screening change the way you perceive your long-term health planning?