Your Biological Age v. Your Chronological Age: The Facts
Epigenetic testing is considered the very latest frontier of medical capabilities, but what exactly is it and why would you need it? We brought together Dr. Neil Forrest, Osler Health GP / Family Physician and accredited Lifestyle Medicine physician and Dr. Semira Maya Gonseth Nusslé, Co-Founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of Swiss-based Genknowme genetic testing laboratories to understand more.
Dr Semira, please can you explain what we mean by ‘epigenetic’ testing?
Dr Semira: “Epigenetics, means ‘on top of’ genetics. It’s an emerging scientific field studying the mechanisms that affect how our genes behave, specifically the mechanisms that switch genes on and off. Epigenetic processes are closely linked to disease apparition and ageing, and are affected by our environment and lifestyles. Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in regulating biological processes as diverse as ageing, metabolising, and in the progression of diseases such as cancer. Numerous scientific studies reveal how our health is being shaped by lifestyle and environment factors through epigenetic signatures at the core of our cells. Epigenetic signatures are indeed shaped by our lifestyle, the food we eat, and the environment we live in. They are reversible, as opposed to genetic insights that are fixed from birth. Now our fate really is in our hands”.
Dr Neil, how does epigenetic testing apply to your patients and ‘lifestyle medicine’?
Dr Neil: “The test allows us to measure the effect of four important lifestyle factors on your DNA and ageing: physical activity, diet, alcohol and smoking/pollution. Epigenetic testing provides an additional tool we can use to analyse and maybe even predict the impact of lifestyle changes on a person’s health/longevity. As well as measuring these lifestyle-related epigenetic changes, the test also provides an estimate for biological age, which we can compare to your chronological age and attempt to improve.”
Dr Neil, can you explain what’s involved in the Genknowme test?
Dr Neil: “After an initial discussion, we take a simple blood test at our clinic. As the samples are analysed at the Genknowme lab in Lausanne, Switzerland, the results and report can take up to 25 days to receive. Once we have the results, your Osler doctor will go through everything in detail with you and help develop a personalized lifestyle plan. We will work with you to achieve this plan and monitor your progress.
The Genknowme test can then be repeated to assess the impact of these lifestyle changes on your DNA. Acute stress can temporarily increase biological aging. Thus, we do not recommend sample collection if you have had a recent acute infection, surgery, trauma, pregnancy or if you are jet-lagged.”
Dr Semira, in the ‘Epigenetic Test Report’ received by a patient, it talks about ‘Youth Capital’ can you expand on what is meant by this?
Dr Semira: ‘Youth Capital’ in the context of an Epigenetic Test Report refers to the concept that while chronological age progresses inevitably, biological age can vary based on lifestyle and environmental factors. This term is a way to describe the potential for a younger biological age compared to chronological age, suggesting that an individual has certain ‘reserves’ of youth at a cellular level. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and habits like smoking can alter epigenetic markers, which in turn can influence how our cells age. This influence can either accelerate or slow down the biological aging process, independent of how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. Thus, ‘Youth Capital’ is a metric to gauge how the choices you’ve made have impacted your biological age, offering insights into the potential healthspan and longevity you might experience.
The good news from epigenetic research is that negative influences on our DNA from past lifestyle choices are not always permanent. By making positive changes, it’s possible to improve your ‘Youth Capital’ and, in essence, reverse some aspects of biological aging, contributing to increased longevity and healthier aging.”
Dr Neil: how does this test help you as a doctor?
Dr Neil: “I find epigenetic testing more useful in my practice of longevity and lifestyle medicine. It is not a replacement for some of the more ‘routine’ blood tests we use, but can provide useful data to help me practice more personalized, precision medicine, i.e. which lifestyle changes are most needed and will be most impactful for an individual. When people receive their report, the thing they immediately jump to is the prediction of biological age. It is important to remember that this is only an indication of your current status. Your destiny is not set in stone and it is never too late to make changes that will have a significant impact on your future health.”
Dr Semira: can we really turn our biological clock back?
Dr Semira: “While we can’t literally turn back time, it is indeed possible to influence our biological age through lifestyle choices. A higher biological age can often be mitigated by adopting healthier behaviors. Positive changes in diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep can improve your health span and potentially contribute to better longevity. To measure the impact of these changes, you can retake the epigenetic assessment after some time has passed. This way, you can see firsthand the beneficial effects of your efforts on your health. Our advanced epigenetic testing gives you the opportunity to discover your biological age and take informed steps to manage your well-being.”
Dr Neil: who would be a good candidate for an epigenetic test and how do we make an appointment?
Dr Neil: “This test is really for those who want to take their quest for long-term health and longevity a step further than conventional medical testing. It will particularly appeal to people who (like me) enjoy using a data-driven approach to improving their health span. It can provide useful information whatever your age, but the younger you start, the more time you will have for any intervention to have an impact.”
Dr Semira: why did you choose to collaborate with Osler Health in Singapore?
Dr Semira: “At Genknowme, we are particularly impressed with Osler Health’s philosophy that emphasizes prevention and lifestyle medicine. Their forward-thinking approach resonates with our values and commitment to personalized healthcare, which is why we find this collaboration to be a perfect fit. Osler Health contributes a patient-centered philosophy, and we provide the expert epigenetic lab testing. Their established patient base and our advanced testing capabilities come together to create a comprehensive and personalized healthcare experience. This synergy allows us to play a crucial role in advancing preventive healthcare in a new market.”
Dr Neil Forrest
Dr Neil Forrest is a British GP / Family Physician based at Osler Health’s Star Vista clinic. Passionate about preventative health solutions for his patients, Dr Forrest is a certified IBLM(International Board of Lifestyle Medicine) diplomate and is also a member of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. www.osler-health.com
Dr Semira Maya
Dr. Semira Maya Gonseth Nusslé is Co-Founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of Swiss-based Genknowme epigenetic test laboratory. Committed to longevity, Genknowme has been attracting prestigious clients such as Clinique La Prairie and gaining international clients.