Scientists have developed a blood test that can determine if your organs are aging prematurely and at risk of failing. The test can identify which specific organ is causing the problem and predict the person's risk for diseases related to that organ. The study, which involved 5,678 participants, found that some organs age at different rates, and those with rapidly aging organs are at a higher risk of diseases and mortality.
The researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to analyze proteins in the blood, which helped measure the aging of 11 organ systems. They discovered that a larger age gap between the true biological age and the estimated age based on the algorithm's predictions was associated with an increased risk of death. The test was able to detect accelerated aging before symptoms appeared, and the follow-up data showed that accelerated aging increased the risk of disease and death.
The test monitors 11 major body parts, including the heart, brain, and lungs. The researchers found that one in five healthy adults aged 50 and above may have at least one fast-aging organ, and one to two in every 100 may have multiple organs that test older than their actual age. This could help geriatricians identify the organ system that has deteriorated the most in a patient and develop a plan to extend its function.
The study identified associations between accelerated aging in various organs and conditions such as heart failure, Alzheimer's disease progression, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and gait impairment. The study focused on a subset of organs, and further research is needed to determine if these findings apply to all organs. The study also highlighted the need for more diverse populations in future studies.