Associated conditions
Shorter telomeres have been associated with cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cognitive decline, and other chronic degenerative conditions associated with aging.
Neurological conditions such as cognitive impairment, chronic stress
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, glucose intolerance, obesity
Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease
Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
Immune-related conditions such as Hepatitis C, cancer, autoimmune disorders
Inflammation, aging, and its association with telomeres
Inflammation is associated with aging and telomere shortening. Telomeres become shorter after each cell division until eventually chromosomal DNA reaches a critical point at which the cell can no longer divide (known as the Hayflick limit). The loss of this protective telomere “armor” renders DNA vulnerable to damage and may result in an individual’s increased risk for accelerated aging and associated health conditions. If telomeres are maintained, then termination of cell division (senescence) and programmed cell death (apoptosis) can be delayed.
The test analyzes your average telomere length in white blood cells compared to the normal reference range for your age-matched population.