Predicting Lifespan: A Blood Test That May Reveal Your Aging Process
Freshened Take:
Let's dive into the intriguing world of intrinsic capacity, the cocktail of our mental and physical abilities that shapes our aging process. This fascinating aspect of us all, from our ability to walk and think, to see, hear, and remember, is key to healthy aging.
Traditionally, assessing intrinsic capacity has been a complex and expensive affair, requiring fancy equipment and a know-it-all team. But fret not! Researchers have crafted an eureka moment for us – a method to evaluate intrinsic capacity and age-related decline using just a single drop of your blood or saliva. This revolutionary approach could pave the way for tracking aging and offering spot-on interventions to sustain our mental and physical abilities as we grow older.
In essence, intrinsic capacity is a comprehensive score of our physical and mental competencies, and it's influenced by a multitude of variables, such as disease, injuries, and the passage of time.
Scientists recently discovered that examining blood samples for intrinsic capacity accurately predicts all-cause mortality. This fascinating blood-based test, known as DNAm IC (for "IC clock"), could transform the way we approach aging and help us identify tailored interventions to safeguard our mental and physical prowess.
Thomas M. Holland, MD, a whiz in aging sciences and an assistant professor at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, offered his thoughts:
"The DNAm IC test is a veritable treasure trove in aging research. It scrutinizes DNA methylation patterns, chemical tags that steer gene activity, to gauge a person's IC. By providing insights into how well the body is functioning compared to their age, it paints a more meaningful picture to aid the selection of interventions aimed at preventing future health problems."
Intrigued by the findings, Elena Rolt, a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Functional Medicine Practitioner, also weighed in:
"The DNAm IC test shows remarkable potential as a practical aging measurement. Unlike previous epigenetic clock-based tests, it captures functional aging more directly. As it correlates with immune aging, physical capacity, and lifestyle-related risks, this test could be particularly valuable for personalized aging interventions and preventive strategies."
"But," she warned, "its application in clinical practice would require further validation."
With data from 1,014 individuals varying from 20 to 102 years old, the scientists developed an IC score concentrating on five aspects of age-related decline: cognition, locomotion, sensory (vision and hearing), psychological, and vitality. They collected data on the ever-changing ebb and flow of DNA methylation and used this information, combined with age-related decline data, to build a predictor of IC, or an "IC clock." They then evaluated the association between the IC clock and mortality.
Strikingly, the researchers found that people with high DNAm IC lived, on average, 5.5 years longer than those with low DNAm IC. Folks with the highest DNAm IC also showed better lung function, faster walking speed, greater bone mineral density, and a greater inclination to feel healthy.
Holland lauded this as a significant revelation: "This study validates strong associations between high IC and better immune function, lower chronic inflammation, and reduced risk for diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and other age-related conditions."
"Simply put," he emphasized, "if your body is functioning well, you're more likely to live longer and stay healthier. This test is more than just a snapshot of your current state; it may offer a sneak peek into your future health."
Can you improve your intrinsic capacity?
As we all age, intrinsic capacity naturally declines. Yet, there are ways to curb that decline. This study found that a high dietary intake of oily fish and a sugar intake in line with recommended guidelines (no more than 5% of total energy intake) were linked to a high DNAm IC.
Tunç Tiryaki, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of the London Regenerative Institute, shed light on the association:
"Oily fish, inherently rich in long-chain omega-3s, possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mitochondrial-supportive properties. These mechanisms play a crucial role in domains of IC such as vitality and cognitive function. Omega-3s also seem to regulate gene expression related to immune responses and cellular senescence, pathways enriched in the DNAm IC signature."
"Conversely," Tiryaki explained, "excessive sugar intake can accelerate glycation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, all of which impair IC."
Prolonging your health years: Expert tips
Holland, Tiryaki, and Rolt collectively offered a slew of tips for ensuring healthy aging:
- Adopting a healthy diet, like the MIND or Mediterranean diet, brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, and oily fish)
- Engaging in regular physical activity, encompassing aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises; Tiryaki underlined that physical activity influences locomotion and vitality, both crucial aspects of IC
- Encouraging cognitive and social engagement – keeping your noggin stimulated and nurturing your social network are both linked to healthier aging.
- Managing stress and chronic illnesses
Holland closed by expressing his enthusiasm: "The DNAm clock is a game-changer in functional aging science. It connects the dots between molecular biology and real-life outcomes, such as mobility, cognition, and longevity. While further validation is required, particularly in older adults with low IC, this study sets the stage for using personalized epigenetic markers to guide interventions in the realm of preventive geriatrics, longevity medicine, and precision public health."
"Focusing on functionality, rather than just age, is central to achieving meaningful longevity."
- Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
- The revolutionary DNAm IC test, which examines DNA methylation patterns in blood samples, offers a practical and non-invasive method to evaluate intrinsic capacity and predict all-cause mortality.
- A high dietary intake of oily fish and a sugar intake in line with recommended guidelines have been linked to a high DNAm IC, indicating that one's diet significantly impacts intrinsic capacity.
- To improve intrinsic capacity and prolong health years, adopting a healthy diet such as the MIND or Mediterranean diet, engaging in regular physical activity, encouraging cognitive and social engagement, managing stress, and controlling chronic illnesses are crucial expert tips.
