My Liver is How Old? Decoding Biological Age
How old are you, really?
At Stone Medical, your trusted partner in healthcare, we want you to look and feel young. How old do you feel? While chronological age is how long you have existed (number of candles on your birthday cake), biological age (BA) is how old your cells are. These two numbers can be the same or different for people as everyone ages at different rates. Research is being done to learn more about biological age and how it relates to developing certain health conditions, especially neurological disorders. A recent Swedish study (published in November 2023), involving 325,000 UK residents, delves into the relationship between biological age and the likelihood of developing conditions such as dementia and ischemic stroke.
Key Findings:
1. Elevated Risk of Neurological Disorders:
Having a biological age higher than chronological age is linked to an increased risk of neurological disorders, notably vascular dementia and ischemic stroke.
For every five years of advancement in biological age beyond actual age, there's a 40% higher risk of developing vascular dementia or experiencing a stroke.
2. Environmental Factors Influence Biological Age:
Environmental factors like stress, diet, drugs, and pollution contribute to changes in biological age, which can be passed down through cell division and generations.
Unlike chronological age, biological/epigenetic age is reversible to some extent, offering hope for interventions.
3. Slow Down Biological Aging:
New research by the American Heart Association suggests that lifestyle choices can impact biological age.
Adhering to the "Life's Essential 8" checklist, which includes habits like eating better, being more active, and managing blood pressure, can slow down the biological aging process.
4. DNA Methylation Testing:
Home tests claiming to measure biological age are based on DNA methylation, a reversible process controlling gene expression without altering the underlying DNA.
While these tests are promising research tools, field experts emphasize that they are not yet suitable for individuals to monitor or improve their health.
The journey to leverage biological age for individual health optimization is ongoing, with significant strides in understanding the risks associated with neurological disorders. While the study sheds light on the impact of biological age on neurological health, caution is warranted in interpreting the findings at this point. The good news is that the process of biological aging can be influenced by various modifiable lifestyle factors. The ability to reverse biological age is not a fully realized concept. While the allure of home tests offering insights into biological age exists, it's crucial to recognize their current limitations. As we navigate the complexities of aging and health, a cautious approach is paramount, emphasizing that these tests are currently more for entertainment value than practical health monitoring and depending on the test, give you varying ages. If interested in learning more, become a member of Stone Medical and work with your doctor on “Life’s Essential 8” checklist.