Applying science to increase healthspan
Debbie Moon 
Genetic variants, or polymorphisms, are the common changes that can affect gene function a little bit. These changes make us all unique – from traits like hair color or eye color to the things that ‘run in the family’, like …
The following is a summary of a new study published in Nature scientific reports titled “Genetic correlations between Alzheimer’s disease and gut microbiome genera” Summary: Research has shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiota is linked to Alzheimer’s disease …
Mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated oxidative stress are part of the root cause of aging. With poor mitochondrial function, cells can’t perform at an optimal level, leading to an increase in ROS (reactive oxygen species). Oxidative stress, due to an increase …
Inflammaging: What is it and how can you prevent it Inflammaging refers to low-grade, sterile, chronic inflammation that increases with age and can contribute to health declines, age-related diseases, and frailty. The exact causes are still unclear, but one theory …
In aging, muscle mass declines, as does physical performance. Stopping age-related muscle loss is important for healthspan and overall wellness in aging. For example, more muscle mass may protect you from falls and from osteoporosis. Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite …
To me, the idea of living longer is only appealing without the prospect of age-related neurodegeneration. Healthspan is my goal, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s is a major focus. For decades, research on Alzheimer’s has focused on amyloid-beta plaques and …
A recent phase II clinical trial showed significant improvements in cognitive scale scores for Alzheimer’s patients. Importantly, these are natural supplements that are readily available. Plus, it is rare to see a clinical trial with positive results in Alzheimer’s after …
Methylene blue (Methylthioninium chloride) has been used in pharmacology for over a century. It is a fascinating compound that was first synthesized as a blue dye. In 1891, it was discovered that it could treat malaria. It is also used …
Genetic studies, especially large genome-wide association studies, can be informative when looking at what is really important for healthspan. Essentially, these types of studies look to see which genetic variants are linked to outcomes — real-life people, real outcomes, and …
Spermidine is a biogenic amine with many potential anti-aging benefits, ranging from extending healthspan to improving vaccine efficacy in older adults. I’ll dig into the research on the topic, explore the clinical trials, and explain why increasing spermidine can sometimes …
The glymphatic system, which was identified in 2012, is the network that clears out waste products from the brain and central nervous system. Essentially, this system is the way that fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column moves out of …
A recent study shows that low-dose lithium may act as a senolytic.[ref] This has important implications in healthy aging – including preventing mortality from respiratory diseases, such as COVID, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. First, let me go into a …
New research on COVID-19 shows the important role of cellular senescence in the high mortality rates in the elderly. Elderly people are much more vulnerable to the flu, respiratory infections, and sepsis than middle-aged or younger adults. We all know …
A pre-print study posted in May 2021 shows positive results in a clinical trial with the goal of reversing early Alzheimer’s disease. This is big! An attitude of acceptance that Alzheimer’s is a non-reversible fate prevails in medical practices, and …
Kind of like pornography, we all know aging when we see it. There is a specific point when suddenly someone looks old. Like they have crossed some invisible threshold, moving from healthy and older into the twilight area at the …