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The aging-disease false dichotomy: understanding senescence as pathology
1Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London London, UK.
Frontiers in Genetics
|July 3, 2015
Summary
Aging, or senescence, may be a complex disease syndrome, challenging traditional views. This research scrutinizes aging concepts, aiming for realistic understanding and preventative treatments rather than a utopian cure.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
- Biogerontology
Background:
- Traditional views often separate aging from disease, creating conceptual divides.
- The aspiration to treat the entire aging process is considered utopian by some researchers.
- Existing ideas about aging may be erroneous due to these conceptual divisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To foster a realistic understanding of aging.
- To scrutinize traditional and novel concepts of aging.
- To explore the feasibility of treating aging and developing preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing literature on aging.
- Critical review of traditional and contemporary biogerontological ideas.
- Examination of the distinction between aging processes and aging-related diseases.
Main Results:
- Aging can be viewed as a complex disease syndrome, diverging from traditional perspectives.
- The conceptual division between aging and disease contributes to misunderstandings.
- Treating the entirety of aging is likely unattainable; partial prevention is a more realistic goal.
Conclusions:
- A realistic understanding of aging requires challenging traditional notions.
- Focusing on preventative treatments offers a more achievable therapeutic strategy.
- Biogerontology should prioritize partial protection against aging over complete reversal.
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