The molecular and medical aspects of the aging process

Abstract

The human body undergo many physiological, chemical changes from birth and year after year as growth and development occurs. Many of these changes are clearly documented and others are not and are unknown. It is true that not all is completely known of the changes that are accumulating in the bodies with the passing of time. The mind and body gradually degrade with age, losing their former vigour and resulting in a wide range of effects. Memory is weakened, motor skills decline, bones become brittle and skin loses elasticity which is attributed in part to molecular changes. Aging is also marked by an increased susceptibility to infection and disease partly because of the decline of the immune system in its effectiveness in fighting pathogens and abnormal cell growth. Every year, countless attempts are made to reverse aging and recapture youth. A great amount of money is spent on cosmetic procedures and chemical substances such as creams and lotions in attempts to restore youthful appearances. The number of surgeries in senior citizens world-wide has greatly increased over the recent past with more people over the age of 50 seeking operations to prolong and improve their lives. While the search for the elusive fountain of youth is no new phenomenon, recent research has yielded findings that could shed more light on the molecular and medical aspects of the aging process. The study reviews the research findings on the molecular and medical aspects associated with aging in humans and attempts made to slow and or reverse the aging process. © Medwell Journals, 2012.