“This suggests that while menopause or premenopause may contribute to these changes we see in women over 40, there are likely other, more significant factors that influence the health of both men and women,” says Dr. Xiaotao Shen, a former graduate student at Stanford Medical School and now a research associate at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Geneticists have found that the first wave of changes affects molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and the ability to metabolize caffeine, alcohol and lipids. The next wave of aging hits molecules involved in immune system regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and those responsible for stable kidney function.
Molecules associated with skin and muscle aging change at both ages 44 and 60. Authors of previous studies on age-related changes had suggested that a later spike in aging might occur at age 78, but the Stanford scientists were unable to confirm this theory because the oldest participants in their tests were 75 years old.
The pattern found between a certain age and accelerated cellular aging processes is consistent with previous data that the risk of many age-related diseases does not increase gradually, but develops spasmodically. For example, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease increases sharply after age 60.
Some changes may also be related to lifestyle or behavioral factors. It is no secret that the risk of alcoholism in middle-aged people increases not only because of metabolic problems, but also because, against the background of stress at work and in the family, men and women over 40 are more likely to drink.
How can this research help us?
Michael Snyder is convinced that we can help
