Aging and Inflammation

Chronic systemic inflammation is an underlying cause of many seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases. As humans grow older, systemic inflammation can inflict devastating degenerative effects throughout the body (Ward 1995; McCarty 1999; Brod 2000). This fact is often overlooked by the medical establishment, yet persuasive scientific evidence exists that correcting a chronic inflammatory disorder will enable many of the infirmities of aging to be prevented or reversed. 

The pathological consequences of inflammation are well-documented in the medical literature (Willard et al. 1999; Hogan et al. 2001). Regrettably, the dangers of systemic inflammation continue to be ignored, even though proven ways exist to reverse this process.

Aging results in an increase of inflammatory cytokines (destructive cell-signaling chemicals) that contribute to the progression of many degenerative diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic autoimmune disorder in which excess levels of cytokines are known to cause or contribute to the inflammatory syndrome.

Chronic inflammation is also involved in diseases as diverse as atherosclerosis, cancer, heart valve dysfunction, obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, digestive system diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis and Alzheimer's disease.  In aged people with multiple degenerative diseases, the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, is often sharply elevated, indicating the presence of an underlying inflammatory disorder. When a blood profile is conducted on people in a weakened condition, an excess level of one or more of the inflammatory cytokines is usually found.

The New England Journal of Medicine published several studies in the year 2000 showing that the blood indicators of inflammation are strong predictive factors for determining who will suffer a heart attack (Lindahl et al. 2000; Packard et al. 2000; Rader 2000). The January 2001 issue of Life Extension Magazine described these studies and explained how individuals could protect themselves against these inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and fibrinogen).

A growing consensus among scientists is that common disorders such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease are all caused in part by a chronic inflammatory syndrome.

Seemingly unrelated diseases have a common link. People who have multiple degenerative disorders often exhibit excess levels of pro-inflammatory markers in their blood. Here is a partial list of common medical conditions that are associated with chronic inflammation:

Allergies Alzheimer’s Anemia  Arthritis Cancer Congestive heart failure

Fibromyalgia Heart attacks                            Heart valve stenosis Kidney failure                               Lupus                                                        Stroke

A critical inflammatory marker is C-reactive protein (CRP).   One of the New England Journal of Medicine studies showed that people with high levels of C-reactive protein were almost three times as likely to die from a heart attack (Ridker et al. 1997).  On January 28, 2003, the American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) jointly endorsed the C-reactive protein test to screen for coronary-artery inflammation to identify those at risk for heart attack.  A simple blood test can measure your level of C-reactive protein.  I recommend testing for CRP at least annually to help determine your risk for heart attack, stroke, cancer and a host of age-related diseases.

Reducing “silent” inflammation is a key objective of your personalized health & wellness program at the Monaco Center.  Our highly trained staff will focus on your specific needs to reduce your risk of developing age-related diseases which can have serious consequences on your health.

Our new office is conveniently located in the heart of beautiful South Glastonbury, CT. ( click here for directions)