Two different studies have allowed a glimpse at some of the factors affecting disability with old-age and thrown light on possible medication which might make aging less troublesome and more independent.
One study led by Dr. George Merriam from the University of Washington, conducted a trial of the experimental growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) manufactured by Pfizer on a group of 395 people aged 65 to 84. At the beginning of the experiment, all reported to have some degree of immobility or difficulty in walking and climbing stairs. The drug called Capromorelin was administered according to different dosages to half the participants, while the control group received a placebo.
Capromorelin is a drug that induces the body to secrete growth hormones like those secreted during puberty and adulthood. It causes the building of lean muscle mass and increases strength. With age, both, the levels of this hormone and of lean muscle mass reduce, leading to impairment and disabilities.
Results which were revealed at the International Congress of Neuroendocrinology in Pittsburgh, showed that subjects who were given the drug had an average increase of 3 pounds of muscle mass. They also were able to better balance and co-ordinate themselves as revealed when made to walk along a straight line, and over a year, they found it easier to climb stairs.
Another study in the area of hormones and endocrinology was conducted by Agnieszka Baranowska-Bik and her team from the Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Poland. The researchers found that a protein called adiponectin in the blood was linked with longevity.
Of the 133 women they studied, ranging from 20 to 102 years of age, it was established that the older women had higher levels of this protein in their blood. Adiponectin has been known to increase metabolism, have anti-inflammatory properties and to prevent insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes. It was however, not confirmed whether those this protein led to a healthier body or whether a healthy lifestyle led to the build-up of adiponectin.
Though the two studies reveal the connection of hormones and healthy aging, much research is needed before physicians can recommend any changes in drugs or medication along these lines. Added, old-age is not considered a disease and drugs to combat the accompanying symptoms are rarely approved. Regardless, the studies emphasize that an option is possible.
