Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the science revealing when humans have age bursts

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Feeling like you've aged 10 years in just a few months? New research published in Nature Aging might offer some insight. The study involved 108 volunteers aged between 25 and 75, who provided blood, stool, skin, oral, and nasal samples every few months over a period of up to seven years. Researchers measured levels of 135,000 different molecules, including RNA, proteins, and metabolites, as well as bacteria, fungi, and viruses present on the skin and in the gut.

Rather than observing a gradual aging process, the researchers identified two distinct spikes where aging accelerates - one around age 44 and another at age 60.
The first spike, at age 44, was linked to changes in molecules associated with cardiovascular disease, as well as a reduced ability to metabolise caffeine, alcohol, and fats. Interestingly, these shifts occurred in both men and women, debunking the notion that they were solely related to perimenopause in women.
The second spike, at age 60, was connected to changes in molecules linked to immune function, kidney function, and carbohydrate metabolism. Both age-related spikes also showed significant changes in molecules related to skin and muscle aging.
These findings align with the noticeable increase in certain diseases at specific ages, such as cardiovascular disease starting around age 40, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases becoming more common after age 60.
While the study didn’t offer strategies to slow down these rapid aging changes, the researchers did suggest that these ages might be key milestones to monitor our health closely. Booking a full medical check-up around these times could be a smart move for preventive care.

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