Determinanten van ziekte en gezondheid op hoge leeftijd: Nieuwe inzichten uit de Leidse verouderingsstudies

Translated title of the contribution: Causes of health and disease in old age: New insights from the Leiden research program on ageing

A. J.M. De Craen, A. M. Oleksik, A. B. Maier, R. G.J. Westendorp

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The clinical research of the Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics of the Leiden University Medical Center focuses on the causes of health and disease in old age. We examine, amongst others, the genetic mechanisms of longevity by comparing children of long-living parents with their partners. At a mean age of 60 years, the children of the longliving parents have a lower prevalence of several cardiometabolic diseases, among which are myocardial infarction, diabetes, and hypertension. The children of the long-living parents also have a more favourable cardiometabolic risk profile, with lower values of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and thyroid hormone, and a better insulin sensitivity. Moreover, over the past years we have shown that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as an increased cholesterol and hypertension, do not automatically apply to the very old. For the very old it must be taken into account that risk profiles for various diseases differ from those of younger populations. The choice of treatment must therefore be based on the 'best available evidence'. In absence of randomized clinical trials this is currently the knowledge on the pathofysiology of health and disease in old age.

Translated title of the contributionCauses of health and disease in old age: New insights from the Leiden research program on ageing
Original languageDutch
Pages (from-to)237-243
Number of pages7
JournalTijdschrift voor Gerontologie en Geriatrie
Volume40
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2009

Keywords

  • Ageing
  • Genetics
  • Oldest old
  • Pathofysiology
  • Risk factors

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