The term "inflammaging" might sound like a marketing ploy, but it highlights a critical health concern. This phenomenon refers to chronic, low-grade inflammation that arises as the immune system responds to perceived threats.
Coupled with aging, inflammaging silently escalates the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.
Although everyone experiences some level of inflammation as they age, the degree varies among individuals. Scientists emphasize the importance of understanding this process, as growing evidence reveals its damaging effects. Researchers are exploring potential treatments while advocating for improved diagnostics. In the meantime, simple lifestyle changes—such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—can help mitigate inflammation.
According to Luigi Ferrucci, a gerontology expert at the U.S. National Institute on Aging, inflammation is a fundamental factor in chronic diseases. Claudio Franceschi, an immunology professor emeritus at the University of Bologna, first introduced the term "inflammaging" in 2000, and it has since been recognized as a hallmark of aging.
Inflammation itself is not inherently harmful. It is the body’s natural defense mechanism against injuries or infections, aiding in recovery. However, chronic inflammation, unlike acute inflammation, persists and causes damage rather than healing. With age, the body reacts to what it perceives as irregularities, such as accumulated abdominal cells. One possible trigger for inflammaging is cellular senescence, where aging cells cease to divide and release inflammatory proteins.
Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in some of the most severe age-related diseases, acting as both a cause and an exacerbating factor. This creates a vicious cycle: inflammation causes tissue damage, which in turn provokes further inflammation.
For instance, an analysis of blood samples from over 160,000 individuals showed that elevated inflammation levels correlated with a sevenfold increase in mortality risk. Another long-term study of women found that those with higher inflammation levels faced a 70% greater risk of heart disease or cardiovascular-related death.
Chronic inflammation is also a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, plaques and tangles accumulate in the brain, triggering persistent inflammatory responses. This process leads to cognitive decline and other complications.
Inflammaging contributes to various conditions, including:
Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease: Accumulated damage affects brain function.
Cancer: Chronic inflammation may foster mutations or hinder the immune system’s ability to combat tumor cells.
Atherosclerosis: Inflammation promotes the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks.
Skeleton degradation: It interferes with the body’s ability to repair and maintain skeletal structures.
Kidney disease: Chronic inflammation impairs the kidneys’ capacity for self-repair.
Blood tests can detect markers of inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, these tests often cannot distinguish between short-term and chronic inflammation, nor can they identify its underlying cause, which might stem from arthritis, liver disease, or autoimmune conditions.
Developing treatments to manage inflammation without compromising the immune system is a complex challenge. For example, colchicine, long used to treat gout, has been approved to address inflammation in high-risk cardiovascular patients. Researchers are also investigating drugs such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and other potential anti-inflammatory medications for those at risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Some medications, such as metformin and rapamycin, have shown promise in reducing inflammation, though further clinical trials are necessary to confirm their effectiveness.
Experts recommend lifestyle changes as the most effective defense against chronic inflammation. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and consuming a balanced diet are crucial. The Mediterranean diet, emphasizing nuts, whole grains, fish, fruits, and vegetables, has been particularly noted for its anti-inflammatory benefits, while red meat tends to exacerbate inflammation.
For brain health, sufficient sleep—ideally seven to eight hours per night—is critical. Sleep allows the brain to clear inflammation-inducing amyloid proteins. Deep sleep, according to neuroscientists, serves as a "cleansing cycle" that mitigates the harmful effects of inflammaging.
