LONGEVITY MEDICINE: AN UPDATE

I’ve been getting more and more inquiries about prescription medications, supplements, and infusions all being promoted for their ‘anti-aging’ and ‘longevity’ benefits. Patients want to know, quite reasonably, what’s real? What’s not? What’s dangerous? What’s crazy?

Let’s spend this Health Tip on an update among the world of the anti-aging ‘gurus’ (There are plenty of these!). Believe me, you can spend a long time on the websites of Bryan Johnson whose motto is, “Don’t Die”, or Peter Diamandis, M.D. and his Fountain of Life Longevity Center(s). Although there are a lot of these, the epicenter of everything “anti-aging” started right here in Chicago (three blocks from the Clybourn office, in fact) by two osteopathic physicians, Robert Goldman, D.O. and Ronald Klatz, D.O. in 1992 as the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine.

So now, here’s what’s “hot” in anti-aging: 

Prescription drugs: 

Bioidentical sex hormone replacement therapy: (estrogen/progesterone for women, testosterone for men), originally prescribed for improvement of ‘symptoms’, (hot flashes in women, fatigue and muscle wasting in men) now have been shown to improve brain functioning, heart health, bones, skin, hair and for both to reduce overall health risks leading to enhanced longevity.

Metformin (brand name of Glucophage): this very commonly used for first step in Type II diabetes treatment and several years ago was discovered to have life extending effects, first in lab animals and more recently in humans who had been prescribed it for diabetes when compared to those who had not.

All the SGLT2 medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc.): in addition to controlling diabetes and promoting weight loss, long term users benefit reduced risks of cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and several enhanced anti-aging measurements.

Acarbose (Precose): is a very mild medication used for prediabetes but acts differently than metformin. It extended lifespan in mice and is harmless to humans.

NAD+: this is a substance produced in our bodies whose full name is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ for short. It is classified as a co-factor, meaning it helps all parts of your body run efficiently, 24/7, from birth to death. Without NAD+, you’re dead, instantly. However, too bad for you, NAD+ declines with age unless you add more yourself. You can do this with NAD+ infusions and injections (available at WholeHealth Chicago), a diet rich in NAD+ foods and regular exercise.

Rapamycin: is a well known medication among surgeons involved in organ transplants as it prevents transplant failure. However, when tested in worms, and later in mice, rapamycin extended their lifespans. This was enough to make rapamycin the hot new drug among the anti-aging set and although I got several requests for it, I really wanted a bit more evidence than elderly mice and worms. It’s a good thing I waited, because the results backfired. After a couple of years of rapamycin Bryan Johnson’s meticulous measurements began getting worse. Here’s an article from the San Francisco Standard. The rapamycin was actually pressing the ‘fast forward’ button on Bryan’s aging measurements!

You’ll need to ask your personal physician for prescriptions for these longevity medications. Since we’re only licensed in Illinois, we can’t prescribe meds in another state (however, you’re certainly welcome to visit any of our offices for a prescription and fill it locally or through our recommended compounding pharmacies).

Here’s a list of our recommended Anti-Aging Supplements available through our apothecary:

• Curcumin (Curalieve by Integrative Therapeutics), one twice a day (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capable of crossing blood brain barrier protecting against Alzheimer’s Disease);
• EGCG (Green Tea Extract by Klaire Labs), one twice a day (mitochondrial health, reduces cancer risk);
• Ultra Resveratrol (by Integrative Therapeutics), one daily (high potency antioxidant and anti-inflammatory);
• Taurine (Pure Encapsulations) 1,000 mg twice a day (amino acid with cardiovascular and longevity benefits)
• UBQH (absorbable Coenzyme Q 10), 50 mg once a day (another antioxidant for cell growth and maintenance).

And lastly, the obvious: a healthy diet, (remembering sugar is POISON), high in fresh fruit/veggies, low in simple carbs and fats; regular exercise; keep yourself hydrated. You know the rest.

Be well,

David Edelberg, MD