Aging is the primary risk factor for cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases. With advancements in the understanding of the biology of aging, there are emerging approaches to geroprotection aimed at reducing the age-related risk of diseases and extending healthy lifespan.
In a discussion paper published by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, researchers recommend a paradigm shift in how research and medicine address age-related diseases. Titled “Health-Extending Medicine in an Aging Society—Prospects for Medical Research and Practice,” the paper advocates for a focus on understanding the aging process itself, rather than waiting to treat age-related conditions.
As the body ages, its ability to regulate cellular processes diminishes, leading to malfunctions in cell repair and an increased susceptibility to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues. To tackle these challenges, the paper suggests establishing an interdisciplinary systems aging consortium in Germany. This consortium would bring together experts in the biology of aging and systems biology to integrate research data from model organisms with human data, facilitating a better understanding of the aging process.
The availability of large datasets is crucial for identifying environmental factors influencing aging and developing geroprotective measures. Multiomics data, which combines information from various biological levels, could be used to create biomarkers for aging. These biomarkers could help assess the biological age of individuals and evaluate the effectiveness of geroprotective interventions in clinical studies.
The paper also proposes the creation of a national biological database to pool multiomics data, similar to the British Biobank, to support research efforts. Analyzing extensive datasets could reveal existing medications with geroprotective properties, expanding the range of potential treatments for aging-related conditions.
Cellular reprogramming is highlighted as a promising strategy to reverse the aging process by restoring tissue functions. Additionally, the development of reliable biomarkers could lead to a shift in healthcare practices, enabling evidence-based advice on disease prevention and resilience-building for patients.
Overall, the recommendations outlined in the discussion paper emphasize the importance of understanding the biology of aging to develop innovative approaches for extending healthy lifespan and reducing age-related diseases. By fostering collaboration among researchers and leveraging comprehensive datasets, the field of geroprotection holds significant potential for improving healthcare outcomes in aging populations.
