These are clinical conditions where advancing chronological age is the primary, non-modifiable risk factor for onset and progression. They represent a decline in physiological function and homeostatic capacity, often manifesting as chronic illnesses that significantly impact longevity and quality of life. Common examples include neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, all linked to systemic changes in hormonal and metabolic signaling pathways. Understanding these diseases is crucial for developing interventions that promote healthspan alongside lifespan.
Origin
The concept stems from the medical and gerontological recognition that the incidence of certain pathologies dramatically increases with age. This categorization highlights the underlying biological processes of senescence, a key area of study in longevity science and endocrinology. The term serves to distinguish these conditions from diseases caused by acute infection or injury, emphasizing the chronic, cumulative nature of biological decline.
Mechanism
The pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving key mechanisms of aging such as cellular senescence, telomere attrition, chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Critically, age-related hormonal shifts, like somatopause and andropause, contribute to this vulnerability by altering metabolic balance and repair processes. These combined cellular and endocrine dysregulations lead to tissue and organ system failure over time.
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