Accelerated Aging Among People With RA | Arthritis Information

 

The observation that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) die at a younger age than people without this disease is not new, but arthritis experts don't fully understand the causes of the increased mortality rates. Laboratory scientists have observed that RA and other diseases can cause multiple systems within the body to age more rapidly than expected. Cells affected by diseases begin to show signs of what's called accelerated aging -- damage at the molecular level resulting in poorer function. Mayo researchers attending the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting will share preliminary findings that suggest increased mortality among people with RA is consistent with the concept of accelerated aging.

"We've known for decades that the mortality rate among people with rheumatoid arthritis is higher, and that these patients are at increased risk for heart and lung disease," explains lead researcher and Mayo epidemiologist Sherine Gabriel, M.D. "With this study, we've now applied a mathematical model that shows consistency between our observed mortality rates and our understanding of the concept of accelerated aging."

Dr. Gabriel explains that new knowledge about this acceleration factor also underscores the need for people with RA to be aware of their increased health risks and to seek medical care that addresses their total health.

"Because rheumatoid arthritis is chronic and can be so consuming, patients and their doctors sometimes pay less attention to other issues, like cardiovascular health," notes Dr. Gabriel. "Studies like these remind us that early diagnosis and intervention are extremely important for these patients."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061113170808.htmI am Not imagining it-- I have a lot of new wrinkles since stating mtx a few months ago.  I am turning 45 this summer but the wrinkles seemed to happen overnight.  When I smile I see them like ripples across my cheeks.  That is depressing!  Pass the antioxidants!  Of course, I am 30 but lots of people still think I look like I'm in college.  But I've had a number of medical issues this year, moles removed, etc.I didn't have one gray hair before RA, in the first year "BOOM" a ton of gray hairs, this was age 32.

A lot of the women in my family went gray in their 20s, my grandmother in particular (she just has OA, though, and had kids when she was 16, so I think that would contribute ;) )

It's interesting because I've always felt like I looked too young (I'm still 19 lol) but emotionally/mentally, I'm feel like a Crone/mother figure. I'm ready to find my soulmate and settle down for suuure--no drugs or clubbing for me, thanks :)

Deepak Chopra has this bit in his book "Unconditional Life" about the idea that aging, like everything else in the material world, is merely an illusion--we only age because we see others age--here's the quote,

"A master in India once said to his disciples, 'You have enclosed yourself in the prison of time and space, sqyeesing your experience into the span of a lifetime and the volume of a body. It is because of this self-imposed illusion that all of your conflicts arise: life and death, pain pleasure, hope and fear. To end those problems, you must first end the illusion.

But how is that done, a disciple asked.

The master replied, 'You are caught in this world like fish in a net. But all nets have holes. Find one, and excape through it, and you will see what reality actually is.'"

It's a really good book, I'm learning a lot about Hinduism and changing my self-perception along the way.
hi all i dont think the post is regarding ageing on the outside but
inside the body .. alltough it does affect everywere..

this is not good news espeially scince pred allso linked whith accelerated aging
i agree that we need one medical team to oversee the overall medical health
but seeing a gp rheumatologist nurses this may ever happen .

Boney

ps a cure for wrinkles.. buy a Iron   [QUOTE=Jodi_Girl]I am Not imagining it-- I have a lot of new wrinkles since stating mtx a few months ago.  I am turning 45 this summer but the wrinkles seemed to happen overnight.  When I smile I see them like ripples across my cheeks. 

I still say it's an individual thing.  I know my other sister (ten years younger than the RA sister) won't see this, so I can say it:  She looks OLDER than my RA sister and she doesn't have RA, just a bit of OA in the hands.  They have different bone structure of the face, but more important, my RA sister takes better care of herself.  There are many variables, but I agree, this article was talking more about aging internally, and that's really depressing.  But I choose to think that if my RA sister can make herself look younger than my OA sister externally, we can do the same internally by being vigilant about our healthcare.  Hey, there are exceptions to every rule and who's to say which of us will be that exception.  I intend to be one of them.  So there.

 

Hey no hoggin' at the pity party! I probably aged 10 years in the last one and I don't even have RA. And I feel it. 

LOL Mike!