What if patients live forever?

Aging is the largest risk factor for most diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Keeping that in mind, there is also a growing global challenge of aging populations, with one-third of the world’s population expected to be 65 years or older by the end of the century. This demographic shift not only raises healthcare costs but brings attention to the increased vulnerability of the elderly to diseases. Morten presents fascinating examples of long-lived species and organisms that don’t age, to illustrate that aging is not a universal biological certainty, but rather a condition that could be potentially modifiable.

Prof. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen is the associate professor at the University of Copenhagen and Clinical Scientific Officer at HealthyLongevity.clinic. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind aging, and exploring how DNA damage plays a key role in this process. His research explores the physiological consequences of DNA damage and how we might intervene in the genotoxic insults that lead to aging. By examining the biological processes at a cellular level, his lab works to develop interventions that could delay or modulate the aging process, ultimately improving health outcomes and extending both lifespan and health span.

In his research, Morten investigates how metabolic processes and environmental factors contribute to DNA damage and how certain interventions, like fasting and ketone production, might slow the aging process. His work points to promising avenues for future research, including clinical trials aimed at targeting the aging process itself. By focusing on the biological underpinnings of aging, Morten seeks to develop strategies that help reduce the impact of aging on both individual health and societal well-being.

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