The original concept and definition of “anti-aging medicine” was introduced by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) in 1993. Since then many scientists in several countries pay attention to this new term. Even though the term “anti-aging” is still controversial, it is a fact that many scientific data have suggested that aging process can be slowed down, delayed, even reversed, and lifespan can be extended.
The definition for the concept of Anti-aging medicine is as follows. Anti-aging medicine is a medical specialty founded on the application of advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders, and diseases. It is a health care model promoting innovative science and research to prolong the healthy lifespan.
This multidisciplinary medicine developed based on many scientific data of lifespan research using animal. In animal models of longevity, researchers have great success in extending healthy lifespan by 30 to 300% depending on the kind of species and the degree of intervention.
It is no doubt that anti-aging medicine is scientifically based and is well documented in leading medical journals. Many published research documenting the validity of early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related diseases.
These all scientific and clinical data have showed a paradigm shift in the medical field as follows: 1. Aging is considered as a disease that can be prevented, treated, and reversed, 2. Human are not prisoners of the genetic destiny, 3. Human age because the hormones decline, the hormones don’t decline because of age
As a disease, aging process is characterized by three phases:
1). Subclinical phase (ages 25-35):
In this phase, most hormones begin to decline: testosterone, growth hormone, and estrogen. Free radical formation, which can damage cells and DNA, begins to affect the body. This damage usually is not outwardly detectable. Therefore people in this phase can look and feel “normal” without any signs or symptoms of aging.
2). Transition phase (age 35-45):
Hormone levels can fall by as much as 25%. Muscle is lost at the rate of a kilogram every couple of years, which can result in loss of strength and energy, with a higher body fat composition, leading to insulin resistance and increased risk of heart disease and obesity. Clinical symptoms begin to appear: decline in visual acuity and hearing; graying of the hair; loss of elasticity and skin pigmentation, decreased sexual desire and arousal. Aging people start to feel and look older. Free radical damage begins to affect gene expression, which causes many diseases of aging, including cancer, arthritis, memory loss, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
3). Clinical phase (age 45 and above):
Decline of hormones continues, including DHEA, melatonin, growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen, with increased risk of decline in thyroid hormone. There is also the loss of the ability to fully absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A decrease in bone density, accelerated muscle loss (about a kilogram every three years, resulting in the inability to burn calories), and increased body fat and weight also occur. Chronic disease becomes very apparent, organ systems begin to fail, and chronic disease takes over. Disability becomes a major factor with the inability to perform simpler activities of daily living. Sexual dysfunctions become prominent complaints and disturb many couples.
As all diseases, aging can be prevented, treated, even reversed. The change of paradigm should be expressed in the medical services. If conventional medicine treats the outcome of aging process, anti-aging medicine treats to change the process of aging. The result is longer life with good quality of life. Studies performed at the Medical Faculty Udayana University showed that hormonal treatment can recover the alteration caused by aging process. These studies indicated that at least in certain conditions aging process can be reversed.
The application of the concept of anti-aging medicine in the medical services should cover all aspects which prevent the aging process and recover the organ functions. This may includes the recommendation of healthy life style (diet, exercise), supplementation, stress management, hormonal replacement therapy, and other advanced treatments as stem cells therapy and cloning technology.
All these applications hopefully have advantages in improving the quality of life and lifespan of the people. However, without supported by sufficient knowledge and professional skills, this will be non beneficial or even malpractice with all its consequences. Therefore all physicians who want to involve in the anti-aging medicine must increase their knowledge and skills appropriate with updated development.
Wimpie Pangkahila Center for Study of Anti-Aging Medicine Master Degree postgraduate Program in Anti-Aging Medicine Medical Faculty Udayana University.
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