A Compound To Let You Stay Young Longer

Scientists have identified a compound that may delay the aging processes and prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. As we live longer and longer, a lot of people are occupied with their state of health and, not least, quality of life in old age. However, none of the existing explanations are able to explain all the biological aspects of human aging. Previous research has shown that a main process in aging is the capacity of the cells to keep our genes, our DNA, more of less intact. However, changes in the cells’ power stations, the mitochondria, also affect aging processes. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the National Institute of Health in the US have shown that the coenzyme NAD+ bridges the gap between two main aging theories – repairs to the DNA and poor functioning mitochondria. This study shows an age dependent decrease in the level of NAD+, and this decrease is far greater for organisms with early aging and a lack of DNA repairs. Adding NAD+ postponed both the aging processes of the cells and extended life in worms and in a mouse model. The researchers bred mice and roundworm with the illness Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) for the purpose of the study. In A-T patients, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination gradually degenerates, DNA repairs are lacking, and they experience other symptoms characteristic of early aging. This new study stresses that NAD+ plays a main role both in maintaining the health of the mitochondria and in their capacity for repairing the genes.