Applying science to increase healthspan
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a nucleotide derived from ribose and nicotinamide. It is a critical precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. NAD+ is essential for life as part of several key …
Neurogenesis refers to the formation of new neurons in the brain, a process that is abundant during development. Researchers have now discovered that neurogenesis also occurs in adults, and a lack of neurogenesis may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. …
As we age, cellular changes happen — telomeres shorten, DNA is damaged, stem cells stop replicating, tissues can’t regenerate… It’s all a downhill slide in old age towards death. Or is it? A 2022 article in the journal Aging and …
The link between gum disease, or periodontal disease, and dementia has been known for a while. One theory has been that increased inflammatory cytokines in the gums — chronic inflammation – caused the increased risk of dementia. A recent review …
Will taurine supplements make you live longer? A new study in the journal Science points to taurine deficiency as a driving factor in aging. The study examined taurine levels in mice, monkeys and humans and found that levels declined with …
A recent animal study in Frontiers in Immunology showed intriguing results that tie together the olfactory system, immune system, cognitive function, and Alzheimer’s disease. First a little background… As odd as it may seem, both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are related …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …