Telomeres, also known as the “biological clock” are the reason why humans age. In order to understand how Telomeres work, we must go back a step further and understand how the DNA structure works.

DNA is a double stranded helix that contains our genetic information; meaning it makes us who we are. The double stranded helix is called chromosomes. In order to complete the DNA structure, each double stranded helix contains nucleotides which base pair with the complimentary nucleotides on the other strand. DNA is constantly replicating, and at the end of each replication cycle are telomeres; sections of the DNA that repeat the sequence.

With each replication of DNA, the telomeres shorten, therefore causing humans to age. Because our cells are replicated so often, they eventually get too short to replicate any further and die. Telomere lenght testing is provided in our Beverly Hills clinic.

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What is Telomere Testing and what does it measure?

Telomeres are measured by taking a blood sample from the patient. The length of each individual’s telomeres is measured according to his or her age. Each telomere is then compared based on the average length from a sample of population of those in the same age range as the patient. The patient is then assigned a percentile score.

What does the test conclude?

This test concludes how fast the patient ages based on the average population of his age.

What are the benefits of Telomere Testing?

Many benefits arise from telomere testing, some of which include, slowing the process of aging and decreasing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and other age-related diseases.

What happens after the Telomere Test?

Your doctor will speak to you about where you are according to the average person your age. After evaluation with your doctor, he will then guide you and put you on a diet which would decrease oxidative stress. A diet with an increased oxidative stress is found to cause shortening of telomeres. Another option your doctor may discuss with you in order to decrease the shortening of telomeres would be hormone replacement therapy.

If you are concerned about aging and would like to test your telomeres to see how rapidly you are aging in comparison to the average person, call your doctor to make an appointment.

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