The field of geroscience is revolutionizing the way we approach aging and chronic diseases. A recent review published in the prestigious journal JAMA sheds light on innovative strategies to slow down the biological aging process. This approach has the potential to prevent or delay multiple chronic diseases simultaneously, which is a critical challenge in modern medicine.
The review, co-authored by renowned physician-scientist Dr. Steven R. Cummings from Sutter Health’s Sequoia Center for the Science of Aging, and led by Dr. Stephen B. Kritchevsky from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, advocates for a shift in medical focus. Instead of treating individual diseases like heart disease or cancer, the authors propose targeting the underlying biology of aging itself. This approach, known as geroscience, aims to extend “healthspan,” allowing people to live more years free from disease and disability.
Dr. Cummings emphasizes the urgency of adopting a geroscience approach, especially considering the projected increase in the elderly population. By 2050, the number of adults over 65 in the U.S. is expected to grow significantly. Treating multiple conditions simultaneously through geroscience could alleviate the strain on the healthcare system and help individuals lead longer, healthier lives.
Geroscience focuses on measuring a person’s biological age, which takes into account factors like epigenetics, rather than just their chronological age. Scientists at Sutter’s San Francisco Coordinating Center are actively researching how biological age can predict medical outcomes, such as hospitalization, more accurately than chronological age.
The review also discusses promising therapies that are currently being studied to preserve health with aging. These include metformin, a diabetes drug that shows potential in slowing down aging processes, GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, which mimic the effects of calorie restriction linked to longevity, and senolytics, drugs that target senescent cells responsible for chronic inflammation and tissue damage. While these therapies are not yet FDA-approved for anti-aging purposes, ongoing clinical trials may pave the way for new standards of care that promote overall well-being and independence.
Dr. Cummings and his team at the SFCC are dedicated to researching pathways that could potentially slow down aging and improve the quality of life for patients at Sutter and beyond. Their work aligns with the broader goal of geroscience, which seeks to transform the way we approach aging and chronic diseases.
In conclusion, the emerging field of geroscience offers a promising outlook for the future of healthcare. By shifting our focus to targeting the biology of aging, we may be able to delay or prevent multiple chronic diseases, ultimately allowing individuals to enjoy longer, healthier lives. The research and therapies discussed in the review are paving the way for a new era of personalized medicine that prioritizes healthspan and quality of life.
