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 100 Years And Getting Younger
Author : Mike Burns, Posted on: Thu, 22 Jun 2006 11:42:00 GMT Earth Times
Two different studies have allowed a glimpse at some of the factors
affecting disability with old-age and thrown light on possible
medication which might make aging less troublesome and more
independent.
One study led by Dr. George Merriam from the University of Washington,
conducted a trial of the experimental growth hormone secretagogue (GHS)
manufactured by Pfizer on a group of 395 people aged 65 to 84. At the
beginning of the experiment, all reported to have some degree of
immobility or difficulty in walking and climbing stairs. The drug
called Capromorelin was administered according to different dosages to
half the participants, while the control group received a placebo.
Capromorelin is a drug that induces the body to secrete growth hormones
like those secreted during puberty and adulthood. It causes the
building of lean muscle mass and increases strength. With age, both,
the levels of this hormone and of lean muscle mass reduce, leading to
impairment and disabilities.
Results which were revealed at the International Congress of
Neuroendocrinology in Pittsburgh, showed that subjects who were given
the drug had an average increase of 3 pounds of muscle mass. They also
were able to better balance and co-ordinate themselves as revealed when
made to walk along a straight line, and over a year, they found it
easier to climb stairs. | | |
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