don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Neuroplasticity is a somewhat promising field of aging research wherein the goal is to enhance the brain's ability to remain viable over time. The idea is that with determined effort, some dysfunctions related to aging can be held at bay, at least longer than is now the case. As spinoffs of this research, a few brain fitness computer programs are now targeted to older Americans, particularly the 78 million baby boomers, most of whom are rumored to be getting old, fat, cranky and feeble at alarming rates. (The data that support this insulting remark about baby boomers is available from The National Bureau of Economic Research. An article about the baby boomer health crisis appeared in the March 2007 edition of Wellness Program Management Advisor. The title says it all: "Baby Boomers May Approach Retirement In Worse Shape Than Predecessors," p.5.)

For instance, one organization, "Posit Science," sells memory programs designed to boost cognitive functions (memory, attention and visual skills, for examples). Their computer programs are licensed to 130 retirement centers, as well as other franchises.(See Rob Walker, "Muscular Metaphor: Posit Science Brain Fitness Program," May 6, 2007, New York Times.) I have a similar program, produced by Nintendo called "Brain Age." I plan to use it to keep my own brain youthful at the advanced age of, well, nearly 70. I have not actually used it yet, but I plan to, once I figure out how to hook the thing up and make it work. Of course, it could be too late for that. Unfortunately, I can't get smarter if I'm not smart enough to figure out the program. Sort of a "Catch22" of neuroplasticity.

In order that you might assess for yourself the chances that brain fitness will be available at a gym or recreational, medical or educational facility near you sometime time soon, consider a few ideas expressed in a recent New York Times interview with two leading aging experts. (See Sara Davidson, "The New Middle Ages: A Longer, Better Life," May 6, 2007, New York Times.) Lenny Guarente and Robert N. Butler have authored books on the science of aging and both carry sterling credentials. What follows are what I consider the interview highlights relating to aging research findings and prospective findings.

• The goal in most such research is not simple longevity. Dr. Guarente put it, "life span is not the gold standard; that would be HEALTH span." The genes studied, the drugs developed are (or should be) designed to extend health span. If promoting health or better life quality happens to extend life span, that's OK, but that would be a side benefit, not the purpose or goal of the best research on aging.
  
  
• A few genes have been identified that function to counteract aging. The most obvious, at least in primitive life forms, is known as "SIR2." It protects cells during aging, preventing damage. However, it has not been identified as yet in humans. A very similar gene, called SIRT1, has been isolated. Six additional genes, called "sirtuin" genes (with a related sequence to SIRT1), are under investigation.
  
  
• Anti-aging genes like sirtuins carry the blueprint for proteins that might lessen cellular damage that accumulates over the years (the oxidation of molecules in cells, for instance).
  
  
• Humans can expect perhaps another decade of robust health if the current link showing a protective effect of starvation diets on these genes leads to effective anti-aging drugs. That is, drugs that mimic and serve to shore up selected genes, all in lieu of the deprivation of extremely low calorie diets.
  
• One of the obstacles to productive aging research is a traditional focus on studying one disease at a time, rather than broader research focused upon the biology (changes at the cellular molecular level) of aging itself.
  
  
• Researchers are ten to fifteen years from sirtuin gene-activating drugs that would mimic a starvation diet and thereby target these genes and, in effect, channel cellular protective functions.
  
  
• There are substances currently advertised for life extension for which people spend billions annually. Are any effective? No. Both experts said science "does not yet have the means to delay, stop or reverse aging. And in fact, we don't even have the means to evaluate or measure whether a substance prolongs life. We have yet to create biomarkers that would measure, short of death, actual changes in the body that reflect aging."

The bottom line from this discussion from a REAL wellness perspective seems to be something like this: While paying attention to the latest, most reliable forms of scientific advances in genetics and other areas of aging, be guided by the equivalent of the classic advice, "don't give up your day job." That is, don't cut back on your REAL wellness initiatives. Keep working out, keep relying on your advanced sense of reason based upon critical thinking and continue to seek as much exuberance as you can daily while making wise choices.

As Dr. Butler noted at the end of the New York Times interview, "every species has a predetermined genetic life span. Certain fish live about a year. Some turtles live 200 years. Humans have about 110, 120 years at the outside of their genetic life span. We're talking about increasing healthy years within that life span."

And there you go. Live well -- seek healthy years primarily through your own devices while looking on the bright side of life. If a wonder pill comes along, checks out fully that safely extends health span, great. But, don't hold your breadth. If you don't expect such a thing, you might be pleasantly surprised if it happens; if you look for such an advance too earnestly or fervently, you might be disappointed. Go for the best of both worlds, doing all you can to live well while cheering for science to create a better life for all.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the PHYSICAL DOMAIN under the skill area of appearance and aging. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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