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Dr. Mikhail Blagosklonny’s Legacy: Hyperfunction Theory and Rapamycin

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“Blagosklonny’s work remains an enduring inspiration, paving the way toward treating aging as a modifiable condition.”

BUFFALO, NY- January 15, 2025 – A new priority review was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as “Aging (Albany NY)” and “Aging-US” by Web of Science) on January 12, 2025, entitled “Mikhail ‘Misha’ Blagosklonny’s enduring legacy in geroscience: the hyperfunction theory and the therapeutic potential of rapamycin.”

This review, written by Dr. David A. Barzilai, from Geneva College of Longevity Science and Healthspan Coaching LLC, summarizes the outstanding scientific contributions of the late Dr. Mikhail “Misha” Blagosklonny, Founding Editor-in-Chief of Aging. Dr. Blagosklonny’s research changed how researchers and scientists think about aging by introducing a new theory and promoting the use of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, to slow aging and extend healthy life. Published shortly after his passing, this review honors Dr. Blagosklonny’s work and highlights how it challenged the traditional belief that aging is caused mainly by accumulated damage in the body.

Instead of describing aging as an accumulation of cellular damage, Dr. Blagosklonny’s Hyperfunction Theory redefined it as an ongoing biological process that goes into “overdrive” and leads to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and memory loss.

He identified the mTOR pathway—an important growth signal in the body—as a key driver of this process. His research showed that by using rapamycin, which slows down mTOR activity, it is possible to reduce aging-related diseases and promote longer, healthier lives.

Research supports many of Dr. Blagosklonny’s predictions about rapamycin’s benefits. Studies show that it can improve immune responses in older adults, making vaccines more effective. Other studies suggest rapamycin may help protect the heart, reduce harmful brain inflammation, and prevent the buildup of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Blagosklonny also proposed that rapamycin could reduce cancer risk by preventing excessive growth signals that contribute to tumor development.

Believing in rapamycin’s potential as a “longevity drug,” Dr. Blagosklonny advocated for its careful use with medical supervision and precise dosing. He called for further research and even envisioned “longevity clinics” where personalized anti-aging treatments could be provided. The review also highlights ongoing scientific efforts to refine rapamycin therapies and explore new options with fewer side effects.

In conclusion, Dr. Blagosklonny has inspired a global shift toward viewing aging as a condition that can be managed rather than an inevitable decline. His research has left a legacy in the fields of geroscience, aging, and cancer prevention.

“This contribution will undoubtedly be remembered in the coming decades and beyond as an innovative contribution to our theoretical grasp of the aging process and a foundation for exploring effective therapeutic approaches.”

Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206189

Corresponding author: David A. Barzilai, [email protected]

Keywords: aging, rapamycin, longevity medicine, healthspan, geroscience, hyperfunction

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Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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The Hidden Link Between Sleep and Dementia: How Better Rest Can Improve Lives

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“Sleep problems in dementia patients are not only common but also contribute to a faster progression of cognitive decline and increased burden on caregivers.”

Sleep is essential for everyone, but for those living with dementia, it is vital for better health and quality of life. Addressing sleep problems in dementia care is a crucial step toward improving life for both patients and caregivers.

Dementia and Sleep

Sleep is critical for brain health and well-being, but it is often a struggle for people with dementia. Dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily life, is frequently complicated by other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and anxiety. On top of these challenges, sleep problems such as insomnia and sleep apnea are common, making life even harder for patients and their caregivers. 

Addressing sleep issues is key to improving the lives of people with dementia and easing the burden on their support systems. Recognizing this need, researchers Upasana Mukherjee, Ujala Sehar, Malcolm Brownell, and P. Hemachandra Reddy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center conducted an extensive review. Published in Aging, Volume 16, Issue 21, their work aims to update healthcare professionals on these issues and promote new practices in dementia care.

The Study: Update on Sleep and Dementia’s Connection

“Sleep deprivation in dementia comorbidities: focus on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety/depression and thyroid disorders” is a comprehensive review that explores the connections between sleep disturbances, dementia, and related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and anxiety.

The review emphasized how untreated sleep issues can worsen cognitive decline, demonstrating that sleep health is not just a symptom of dementia but an integral part of its progression.

The Challenge: Why Sleep Problems are Overlooked but Critical

People with dementia often face significant sleep disruptions. They might wake up multiple times during the night, feel excessively sleepy during the day, or move around at night. This lack of restorative sleep worsens memory loss and confusion. For example, untreated sleep apnea reduces oxygen flow to the brain, further harming cognitive function. Meanwhile, caregivers experience immense stress and burnout from managing sleepless nights and restless behavior.

Despite these profound effects, many dementia treatment strategies fail to adequately address sleep issues, treating them as secondary problems rather than main components of care. Understanding the relationship between sleep and dementia is critical for designing effective interventions.

The Breakthrough: How Improving Sleep Can Transform Dementia Care

The study highlighted that sleep problems are deeply linked to the progression of dementia rather than being merely side effects. Conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes often worsen these disturbances, creating a cycle where poor health accelerates cognitive decline.

The findings showed that improving sleep quality can bring significant benefits. One solution is addressing sleep apnea, which not only improves sleep quality but also enhances brain function and lowers the risk of related health issues such as heart disease. Non-drug therapies such as structured bedtime routines, light therapy, and anxiety management have shown promise in improving sleep for dementia patients. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia has been especially effective in managing chronic sleep issues. These interventions not only improve brain health but also reduce caregiver stress, promoting a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone involved.

The Future of Dementia Care

Integrating sleep care into dementia treatment is the way forward. Addressing sleep disturbances together with other health conditions like diabetes and anxiety can have a profound impact. Personalized approaches, such as setting up calming bedtime routines and improving sleep environments, can make a real difference. Future research should focus on refining these strategies and equipping caregivers with better tools to manage sleep challenges. 

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances are more than just a symptom of dementia. They are a major factor driving this condition’s progression and affecting quality of life. By prioritizing sleep health in dementia care, memory loss can be slower, day-to-day well-being can be improved, and burden on caregivers can be reduced. Holistic care approaches that address both sleep and overall health hold the key to improving quality of life for dementia patients and their families.

Click here to read the full research paper in Aging.

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Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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The 2022 “New Hallmarks of Ageing” Research Symposium

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Figure 1. New hallmarks of ageing.
Figure 1. New hallmarks of ageing.

Humans battle a number of biological processes with age that lead to the gradual deterioration of cells and tissues. Frailty, disability, disease, and death are all costly fates of aging. Researchers who study aging aim to change this fate, however, the mechanisms of aging are still all but fully understood.

In 2013, López-Otín and colleagues attempted to identify these biological processes and proposed the original nine hallmarks of aging: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. These hallmarks of aging have helped to provide a framework for thought about the causes and consequences of aging, as well as potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Now, nine years later, the hallmarks of aging have been updated in light of recent discoveries.

“In the nearly past 10 years, our in-depth exploration on ageing research has enabled us to formulate new hallmarks of ageing which are compromised autophagy, microbiome disturbance, altered mechanical properties, splicing dysregulation, and inflammation, among other emerging ones.”

The “New Hallmarks of Ageing” 2022 Symposium

This update was presented on March 22, 2022, at the “New Hallmarks of Ageing” research symposium in Copenhagen, Denmark. On August 29, 2022, a review paper summarizing the symposium was published in Aging (Aging-US), entitled, “New hallmarks of ageing: a 2022 Copenhagen ageing meeting summary.” The authors of this review are researchers Tomas Schmauck-Medina, Adrian Molière, Sofie Lautrup, Jianying Zhang, Stefan Chlopicki, Helena Borland Madsen, Shuqin Cao, Casper Soendenbroe, Els Mansell, Mark Bitsch Vestergaard, Zhiquan Li, Yosef Shiloh, Patricia L. Opresko, Jean-Marc Egly, Thomas Kirkwood, Eric Verdin, Vilhelm A. Bohr, Lynne S. Cox, Tinna Stevnsner, Lene Juel Rasmussen, and Evandro F. Fang from University of Oslo, Akershus University Hospital, Jagiellonian University, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Lund University, University College London, Tel Aviv University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Strasbourg, National Taiwan University, Newcastle University, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, National Institute on Aging, University of Oxford, Aarhus University, The Norwegian Centre on Healthy Ageing (NO-Age), and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Among the keynote speakers who presented at this symposium was Vilhelm A. Bohr, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology at The National Institute on Aging and a distinguished member of the Aging Editorial Board. Dr. Bohr presented new data on the DNA damage response enzyme poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1)-related pathways. He suggested that PARP1 might be present and functional in mitochondria. Dr. Bohr also presented on the short-term use of NAD+ supplementation in age-related hearing loss.

“Here, Professor Bohr’s group showed that the treatment of mice with NR [nicotinamide riboside] was capable of restoring NAD+ in the cochlea of aged mice to the levels found in young mice. Even more strikingly, NR treatment limited the progression of hearing loss in ageing mice while stopping the progression of hearing loss in old mice.”

The Meeting Report

The authors’ review summarized all the work presented in this symposium, consisting of some of the latest findings in the field and contextualized by the updated hallmarks of aging. Their summaries of presentations were grouped by theme, including theories of aging and cellular senescence, new insights into telomeres and cellular senescence, inflammation, NAD+ and aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, premature aging and DNA repair, and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and muscular pathologies of aging.

“The presented data showcased novel research at the forefront of the field, with a focus on a possible increase in healthspan and the amelioration of age-related diseases. Here, both the possible clearance or delay of senescent cells as well as possible interventions in the NAD+ system were discussed. While both of these approaches are promising, they are not without limitations.”

A panel discussion took place at the end of the symposium which was moderated by Eric Verdin, M.D., President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and also a distinguished member of the Aging Editorial Board. In sum, the symposium hosted several established researchers and young scientists who presented and discussed the latest findings in age-related research. They discussed new aging research in concert with how it connects to the old and new hallmarks of aging.

“Amalgamation of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ hallmarks of ageing may provide a more comprehensive explanation of ageing and age-related diseases, shedding light on interventional and therapeutic studies to achieve healthy, happy, and productive lives in the elderly.”

Conclusion

The goal of the “New Hallmarks of Ageing” symposium was to provide a platform for researchers to discuss the latest findings in aging research and to update the hallmarks of aging in light of new discoveries. While many promising discoveries have been made in the last decade, the authors cautioned that more work is needed to better understand aging and how these findings can be translated into therapies that improve human healthspan and quality of life. Discussions and research shared at this symposium have the potential to lead to new insights and breakthroughs in the field of aging research.

“At this point, tremendous progress has occurred, but a unified theory of ageing that can fully explain the process is still missing, and many open questions remain, both on a cellular and organismal level. Whether it is possible to target the ageing process at its core, or whether a combination of approaches is needed to target the aspects encompassing ageing, remains to be solved in the future.”

Click here to read the full review paper published by Aging.

AGING (AGING-US) VIDEOS: YouTube | LabTube | Aging-US.com

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Aging is an open-access journal that publishes research papers bi-monthly in all fields of aging research. These papers are available at no cost to readers on Aging-us.com. Open-access journals have the power to benefit humanity from the inside out by rapidly disseminating information that may be freely shared with researchers, colleagues, family, and friends around the world.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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