Anti-Aging Medicine

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Anti-Aging

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Can medicine and lifestyle slow the ravages of time? Jodi Thiessen spoke with New York Internist Bruce K Lowell MD about what can be achieved.

In the later decades of life, we all experience a decline in bodily structure and function. Our metabolism slows, ushering in the "middle-aged spread". Shrinkage of muscle mass reduces strength, endurance and vitality, leading eventually to the frailty, falls and fractures of old age. Hair thins and greys, skin wrinkles and sags, mental acuity blunts and bones become brittle.

Scientists through the last century have published several theories of aging. However, it hasn't been until recently that medical research, experience and knowledge has allowed a combined approach to combat the mysteries underlying the aging process.

The Lowell Metabolic Anti-Aging Center in New York is an all encompassing diagnostic program for the evaluation and treatment of aging. Each patient is given a program to help them realize their genetic potential.

As children, we grow at a defined rate. However, we age at a variable rate. Internist and Geriatrician, Dr Bruce Lowell said: "My goal is to maximize functional ability. We can now use both natural therapies and traditional medicine to help people achieve this."

A comprehensive laboratory test measures the patient's physical and functional ability, cellular and skin age, hormonal levels, DNA and oxidative stress damage. Based on the results an individual "Aging Blueprint" is determined - an evaluation of biological age vs chronological age. Dr Lowell explained: "We have to figure out each individual's blueprint. First we determine their risk factors - do they have high cholesterol, poor bone density, do they smoke, drink, have a family history of heart disease? If female, are all their preventative medicines and screening up to date, such as mammography etc?"

This is then brought to the next step and hormonal changes are tested. At around age 40 the supply of hormones that created growth and vigor in the adolescent years diminishes. The hormones that drive the aging process are sex hormones, adrenal hormones, growth hormone, insulin and thyroid hormone. The changed levels of these hormones create menopause or andropause. Menopausal women notice loss in muscle tone, loss in skin elasticity, loss of hair, decreased sexuality and they become more prone to heart disease. Men during andropause notice similar characteristics. Sematopause is caused by a decrease in the growth hormone. It creates loss of muscle tone, brain function and the skin gains a transparent quality. Adrenalpause causes a diminishing ability to withstand stress - both emotional and physical. However, with careful evaluation and measurement these hormones can be replaced.

"We go through every organ of the body and once we identify the changes we can correct them," said Dr Lowell. "Many times this correction can be done using natural nutrients and natural hormone therapy.

"Another area where humans age, is the body starts to 'rust' - this is called oxidative stress." This is caused by free radicals, a term used to describe any molecule that differs from conventional molecules in that it possesses a free electron, a property that makes it react with other molecules in highly volatile and destructive ways. This causes all our tissues to age at a rapid rate. Antioxidants can help address these problems.

Dr Lowell's program is outlined below:

The Program

There are several stages to the treatment program. Each patient is tested thoroughly their physical well-being, emotional state, family history and lifestyle all play a part.

1. A medical screening is carried out to determine past medical history and current lifestyle. This entails a physical examination, dietary examination and family history and medical background questionnaires.
2. The Hoch test is carried out to determine functional ability of memory hearing, eyes, lungs, reflexes etc. These results are compared with a standardized group of the same age.
3. A biological terrain analysis is taken. Blood, saliva and urine tests determine which vitamins and minerals the body are lacking.
4. A further blood test is given to determine the breakdown of the individual's DNA, all hormonal levels, tumor markers and oxidative stress.
5. A Saliva test is given in addition to the blood test to-check hormonal levels further.
6. A questionnaire is completed that outlines the mental state and stress the individual is under.

The Treatment

Once an individual's "Blueprint" is determined a customized plan is put into place to help them achieve their ultimate functional ability.

This involves: dietary changes, exercise programs, addressing bad habits (smoking, drinking, etc.) addressing level of stress, looking at any prescribed medicine, addressing if they are exposed to any chemicals or toxins.

Natural therapies and medicines are prescribed to help in any areas where the individual is lacking.

Dr Lowell finds his patients are keen to undergo a lifestyle change: "They are motivated and complain of fatigue and they usually don't like the way they look. Once they feel better from the inside, it shows on the outside."

The program is exhaustive and all encompassing. Each patient is given a different program to suit their needs and during checkup consultations can see the progress they are making. Determining the Aging Blueprint, is the first step to combating and even reversing the signs of aging.

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