From the Guidelines
Blood tests that can indicate accelerated aging include DNA methylation clocks, such as GrimAge and PhenoAge, which analyze chemical modifications to DNA, as well as inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) 1. These tests work by measuring biological processes associated with aging rather than chronological age. Some of the key blood tests that can indicate rapid aging are:
- DNA methylation clocks (epigenetic age tests) like GrimAge and PhenoAge
- Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)
- Telomere length testing, which measures the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which reflects average blood sugar levels over time
- Lipid profiles showing cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Hormone panels measuring declining levels of hormones like DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen While no single test definitively measures aging rate, these biomarkers collectively provide insights into how quickly your body is aging at the cellular and molecular levels. Regular monitoring of these markers can help identify accelerated aging patterns before visible symptoms appear, allowing for earlier lifestyle or medical interventions 1. It is essential to note that the development of a reliable and valid test for biological aging is still an ongoing area of research, and new aggregate measures are needed that leverage differences and complementarities of the various biomarkers 1. The intercorrelation between these measures should be evaluated, as there is evidence that the hallmarks of aging are interconnected 1. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a proxy measure of biological aging for humans that can be used to identify individuals at risk of age-related diseases and to monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging 1.
From the Research
Blood Tests Indicating Accelerated Aging
The following blood tests have been identified as indicators of accelerated aging:
- C-reactive protein increase 2
- Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio increase 2
- Lymphocyte count decrease 2
- D-dimer increase 2
- Lactate dehydrogenase increase 2
- IL-6 3, 4
- TNFα-receptor I or II 4
- CRP 4
- GDF15 4
- Insulin 4
- IGF1 4
- Cystatin C 4
- NT-proBNP 4
- Hemoglobin A1c 4
- Telomere length (RTL) 3, 5
- Vitamin B12 (B12) 5
- Homocysteine 5
- High-sensitive-C-reactive-protein (hsCRP) 5
Association with Morbidity and Mortality
These blood tests have been associated with morbidity and mortality, independent of chronological age:
- Older biological age, as calculated using 12 parameters from standard laboratory blood tests, was associated with more physician-observed morbidity and higher mortality hazards 6
- C-reactive protein increase, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio increase, lymphocyte count decrease, d-dimer increase, and lactate dehydrogenase increase were associated with mortality and deterioration to severe or critical COVID-19 2
- Telomere shortening, inflammatory cytokines, and anti-cytomegalovirus antibody follow distinct age-associated trajectories in humans 3
- A framework for selection of blood-based biomarkers for geroscience-guided clinical trials has been proposed, including IL-6, TNFα-receptor I or II, CRP, GDF15, insulin, IGF1, cystatin C, NT-proBNP, and hemoglobin A1c 4
- Telomere length, vitamin B12, and mortality in persons undergoing coronary angiography have been studied, showing that vitamin B12 deficiency and excess are associated with increased risk of age-related-diseases and mortality 5