Geroscience: Science related to aging

Dr. Daniel Belsky, an epidemiologist at Columbia University in New York (my alma mater), coined the term “geroscience,” meaning gerontology, or age-related. Here he devised a new blood test to determine the pace of a person’s aging. His group devised a method to study the enzymatic formation of methyl groups in the DNA of older people and discovered that this methylation is sensitive to the effects of aging. This is often called “gelozyme”.

Several groups are studying drugs and other related methods that modulate gelozyme and how these efforts may impact human aging. One group suggests that a drug called metformin is a tool to target aging (cell metabolism, vol.23, June 14, 2016). Another group showed that inhibiting an enzyme called TORC1 strengthens immunity and reduces infections in older people. Recently, in a paper by Mannick et al. natural aging (2023) examined the effects of the drug rapamycin on longevity and survival in animal models of human diseases and how inhibitors of this drug could become part of standard treatment for diseases of aging. Dr. Belsky’s group is also studying DNA methylation levels in people from different socio-economic backgrounds (from poor to wealthy, rural to urban), and has found that socio-economic disadvantage may play a role. It turned out that there was.

The Columbia Center on Aging has found that a balanced diet supports brain health by reducing inflammation and promotes proper blood flow by providing essential nutrients that aid cognitive function. And the website healthline.com explains this in detail, saying that healthy sources of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants like vegetables, oil-rich foods, and fruits are rich in antioxidants. states that rich foods can help support healthy aging. This is particularly important as India has approximately 10 billion people aged 60 and above (out of a total population of 143 million). Healthline.com suggests that protein (animal and vegetable), nutritious grains (wheat, rice, ragi, bajra), oils, fruits, and soft drinks can help with healthy aging. These are easily available to both meat eaters and vegetarians.

inhibited by exercise

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that a drug that can increase muscle strength in injured or aging mice restores connections between nerves and muscle fibers. This drug blocks the activity of an age-related gelozyme called 15-PGDH, which naturally increases in muscles as we age and with neuromuscular disease. But with this drug, aging mice become physically active again. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offers he seven benefits of regular physical activity. These are: Control your weight. Fight health conditions and diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, type 2, diabetes, and cancer. Improves mood. Boost your energy. Allows for better sleep. Better sex life. And finally, it’s fun and social, like meeting other people, walking, and playing. All of us, especially the elderly, benefit greatly from exercise, which inhibits gelozyme.

Music modulates gelozyme and may also be a treatment for dementia.

In 2020, a group from Toledo, Spain published a paper concluding that music could be a powerful treatment strategy for dementia. And just recently, another group, also from Spain, published a paper titled “Music compensates for changes in gene expression in age-related cognitive impairment.” In fact, this paper suggests that music can modulate our gerozymes. So, friends! Sing a song or turn on the music.