GENES BY YOU UNDERSTAND HOW MANY YEARS WILL THEN LIVE
Genetic Testing
Up to how many years each individual can live has a lot to do with the environment and way of life, but also depends on the longevity genes. For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic recipe that predicts precisely who can live up to 100 years and beyond.
Scientists dellla Boston University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Thomas Perls, conducted a genetic analysis of more than 1,000 centenarians and found 150 genetic variants - or fragments of DNA - present in 77% of people who have lived up to 100 years and beyond.
Further analysis identified 19 distinct genetic profiles associated auna dela extremely long life: 90% of participants who lived up to 100 had at least one of the clusters in their genetic signature. Each profile has a genetic propensity to develop many common age-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, dementia or hypertension. The 19 genetic profiles that distinguish exceptionally long-lived people seem to be correlated with a lower incidence of certain diseases: hypertension and diabetes, and a reduced risk of dementia.
"We understand that this is a complex genetic puzzle," said Dr. Perls reporters at a televised news conference to discuss the results. "We are still far from understanding which genes are responsible for a greater lifespan and how these genes interact with environmental factors, but we're actively working on."
As a researcher, geriatric, Perls has studied many factors that contribute to longevity, and is the first to acknowledge that living longer is not simply a matter of genes. Through other studies it has demonstrated the importance of environmental factors such as not smoking, eating a healthy low-fat and low-calorie, remain socially engaged and intellectually active.
Perls hopes that his work will lead to a better and longer life for all. Source: Time
Genetic Testing