longevity science

We orient our entire practice around helping people live longer and identifying the diseases they are at the highest risk for. Longevity expert Peter Attia MD notes that over 80% of deaths in people over 50 who do not smoke can be attributed to one or more of the following diseases:

The duration and quality of our lives are influenced not solely by our genetic makeup. Numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of epigenetic mechanisms capable of repairing DNA damage, enhancing longevity, and mitigating the risk of diseases. 

Presently, our understanding is as follows: In the past century, the average lifespan has nearly doubled from 46 to 75 years, with projections anticipating it to surpass 85 years by 2050. This remarkable extension can be attributed to various concurrent factors, including more than 50 years of relative peace, economic advancements facilitating unprecedented levels of nutrition and hygiene, and unparalleled progress in medical and scientific fields. 

Despite these advancements, there remains untapped potential for improvement. It is estimated that our bodies possess an intrinsic capability to reach 115-120 years. The prolonged lifespan has brought attention to the issue of quality of life across a broader demographic, marked by an increased prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, as well as a decline in functional capacities. This trend coincides with a growing demand for sustaining professional capabilities and achieving social fulfillment.

The prevailing inquiry today revolves around the prospect of achieving advanced age without succumbing to the effects of aging – without undergoing a decline in physical and cognitive capabilities, and perhaps even regaining lost vitality. Recent studies in the field of aging biology suggest that such an aspiration is plausible.

A pivotal aspect of aging gracefully is intricately tied to epigenetics, a term denoting biochemical processes that, without altering the DNA sequence, influence gene expression by toggling genes on or off. The realization that our genetic code does not inevitably dictate our way of life underscores the role of epigenetics in regulating gene expression.

The realization that our genetic code does not inevitably dictate our way of life underscores the role of epigenetics in regulating gene expression. Epigenetic processes can shape the expression of genes, influencing the implementation of our genetic potential. While epigenetics can confer advantages, it also introduces risks, particularly evident in conditions with a familial predisposition, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle choices often play a decisive role in determining whether these genetic predispositions manifest.

Epigenetics is malleable and research has already unveiled ways to influence it. The relationship between epigenetics and DNA involves understanding each cell as a continual factory producing essential components for the body. Proteins, the building blocks of cells, are regulated by DNA, and their sequence of amino acids, dictated by genes, determines their structure and function.

Yet, DNA is susceptible to environmental stimuli and attacks. Factors like pollution, radiation, viruses, and bacteria can induce alterations, leading to micro-damages that accumulate over time, contributing to age-related degenerative processes. Epigenetic aging, considered a common mechanism underlying imbalances leading to the gradual loss of our "longevity reserve," occurs when the mechanisms of DNA self-repair and adaptation, primarily governed by epigenetic processes, falter.

Nine key mechanisms (hallmarks) of aging have been identified, with epigenetics playing a significant role. Epigenetic aging is interconnected with metabolic, immune, and cognitive aging, and improving one hallmark is believed to impact the entire system.

The debate over DNA versus epigenetics arises concerning gene variants that can accelerate or decelerate aging. The understanding of epigenetic mechanisms highlights that carrying a gene variant associated with accelerated aging may not be inherently detrimental, as epigenetics can mitigate the impact. Even when a variant is favorable, epigenetics remains crucial.

Examining Blue Zones, regions with a high percentage of centenarians, emphasizes the role of genetics, but also underscores the prominence of specific lifestyle habits, including diet and physical activity, and environmental factors in determining longevity.

Reaching the age of 100 may soon be an attainable objective, according to Nir Barzilai from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. During his keynote address at Harvard's Nutrition and Obesity Symposium on Longevity and Aging, held on Thursday, Barzilai challenged the commonly held belief that a healthy lifestyle is the key to a long life. He asserted that the real secret lies in genetics and emphasized the importance of research in unlocking this potential.

The two-day symposium, organized by Harvard Medical School's Professor of Medicine Steven Grinspoon, explored scientific, nutritional, and health-related aspects of aging. Topics ranged from "Caloric Restriction in Non-Human Primates" to "Microbial Strategies for Healthful Longevity." Barzilai's presentation, titled "How to Die Young at a Very Old Age," delved into his work on differentiating between chronological and biological age.

Barzilai highlighted the significance of individuals who exhibit a notable difference between their actual age and the health of their bodies. These individuals hold the key to genetic research that could transform aging into a treatable condition. Surprisingly, cases like the Kahns of Manhattan, the world's longest-lived quartet of siblings, challenge conventional expectations. Despite not adhering to health-conscious habits, such as smoking and maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, they lived exceptionally long lives. Barzilai's research revealed that these centenarians lacked a "perfect genome" but possessed a "longevity gene" that resisted aging.

While acknowledging the ongoing research with various proteins, Barzilai pointed out obstacles in aging research, such as the tendency to work with young laboratory animals and the FDA's non-classification of aging as a preventable disease. Despite these challenges, Barzilai expressed optimism and suggested that advancements, akin to reversing the age of parents through assisted reproductive techniques, could be applied to erasing cellular aging.

In a subsequent panel, University of Chicago professor S. Jay Olshansky addressed the pressing issue of obesity affecting both children and adults, contributing to a slight decline in U.S. life expectancy. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing health over longevity and cautioned against pursuing longer life without extended health. 

Olshansky concluded by unveiling a project that assessed the likelihood of each current presidential candidate surviving an entire term beyond 2020, based on projected lifespan and health span.

We all desire an extended lifespan or seek ways to mitigate the adverse effects of aging. In "How We Age," Coleen Murphy explores how recent advancements in longevity and aging research are bringing us closer to achieving this aspiration. 

As a prominent expert in aging studies, Murphy elucidates how the examination of model systems, especially simple invertebrate organisms, coupled with breakthroughs in genomic techniques, enables scientists to delve into the molecular mechanisms governing longevity and aging. Unraveling the fundamental biological principles that dictate aging in these model systems offers insights into potential strategies for slowing human aging, potentially paving the way for innovative therapeutics and treatments for age-related ailments.

Murphy provides compelling examples, including research demonstrating that altering a single gene in the nematode worm C. elegans can double its lifespan, not only elongating the later stages of life but also extending the period of youthful and healthy existence. 

Drawing from her own laboratory investigations and recent scientific inquiries, Murphy traces the historical development and current status of the field. She elucidates the connections between longevity and factors such as reproduction and mating, sensory and cognitive functions, ancestral inheritances, and the role of the gut microbiome. 

Written with clarity and humor, "How We Age" serves as a comprehensive guide to the scientific understanding of aging, detailing what we currently know, how we have acquired this knowledge, and the potential applications of this newfound wisdom.