Imagine a simple cheek swab revealing your risk of dying within the next year. This might soon become a reality, thanks to a new research breakthrough published in the journal *Frontiers in Aging*. The study introduces CheekAge, a test that analyzes DNA methylation patterns in cheek cells to estimate a person’s ‘biological age.’ This biological age, unlike chronological age, reflects the overall health and wear-and-tear on the body, potentially providing a more accurate prediction of mortality risk.
CheekAge has shown promising results in a group of adults aged 69 to 101. The test demonstrated a strong correlation with the risk of death from any cause. For every increase in CheekAge score, there was a 21% increase in the risk of death within the next 12 months. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that CheekAge could be a valuable tool in understanding and potentially mitigating the risk of death in individuals.
The concept of epigenetic clocks, like CheekAge, is based on the idea that our genes are not the only factor in determining our health and lifespan. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and even stress can modify our genes, influencing our biological age and health trajectory. CheekAge analyzes these modifications in DNA, providing a snapshot of our biological clock.
The research team behind CheekAge conducted their study by analyzing blood samples from over 15,000 participants enrolled in the Lothian Birth Cohorts. This long-term program tracks aging in participants from childhood to adulthood, providing a wealth of data on DNA methylation and mortality risk. Interestingly, even though CheekAge was initially trained on cheek swabs, it effectively predicted mortality risk using blood sample data, suggesting that the epigenetic signals it detects are conserved across different tissue types.
While CheekAge currently focuses on predicting mortality risk, further research aims to explore its potential in predicting other health outcomes, including the likelihood of age-related diseases. The ultimate goal of epigenetic clocks is to identify interventions that can slow down or even reverse biological aging. However, it’s crucial to remember that these tests are not definitive predictors of death and should not be used to make life-or-death decisions. They are tools to better understand individual health risks and empower people to make informed choices about their well-being.
While CheekAge isn’t currently available for consumer purchase, the research team has developed a similar product called TallyAge Test, which is currently available on the market. Experts caution against misinterpreting the results of these commercial epigenetic clock tests, emphasizing the need for standardization and further research. While these tests can be valuable tools for tracking individual health progress, they are not a magic bullet for extending life.
The future of epigenetic clocks holds immense potential for revolutionizing healthcare and our understanding of aging. By gaining deeper insights into the mechanisms of biological aging, we may unlock the secrets to a healthier and longer life.
