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7 More Healthy Years: What We Can Learn from Super Agers
@ a16z
05/27/25
Takeaways
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
American healthcare is in crisis, but we have a path to prevention that focuses on preventing age-related diseases rather than reversing aging.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
We can potentially add seven healthy years to our lives by preventing the major age-related diseases: cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
In my book, 'Super Agers', I discuss findings from a study where we found little genetic difference in people who reached 87 without age-related diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding the biology of aging.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
A patient I saw who was 98 and had never been sick inspired me to explore why some individuals are outliers in aging and health.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
The current state of American healthcare shows a bifurcation: one side focuses on reversing aging, while the other emphasizes using data to prevent age-related diseases.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
We have made significant strides in understanding aging through data, yet we have not effectively used this knowledge to prevent diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
The big three age-related diseases—cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's—are exacerbated by age, and understanding the biology of aging could lead to breakthroughs in prevention.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes, with 80-90% being modifiable through factors like cholesterol management.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
We are now able to measure various biological factors, including the gut microbiome and epigenetics, which can help us understand aging better.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
AI is crucial in pulling together data from various sources to enhance our understanding of health and aging, making it a key dimension in preventive healthcare.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Recent advances in immunotherapy have led to unprecedented cures for autoimmune diseases, demonstrating our growing ability to control the immune system.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Vaccines are now being developed that can potentially cure cancers by using personalized proteins from a patient's tumor, which are currently in clinical trials.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Lifestyle changes alone are not enough to prevent the big three age-related diseases; we must also consider environmental factors like pollution and chemicals.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
AI can analyze health records over time to predict future health outcomes, providing individuals with insights into their potential health trajectories.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Health span refers to the length of time one can remain healthy, not just the total lifespan, emphasizing the importance of living without major diseases as we age.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
We can significantly impact cancer prevention using polygenic risk scores and multi-cancer early detection tests that identify microscopic cancer.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
The GLP-1 drug class, including Ozempic and Zepbound, represents a groundbreaking advancement in medicine, showing potential beyond diabetes treatment to aid in obesity and reduce risks of cancer and heart disease.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Weight loss from GLP-1 drugs can lead to a substantial decrease in the risk of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, with some patients losing up to 80 pounds.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Combining lifestyle changes with GLP-1 medications can help maintain muscle mass while losing weight, which is crucial for long-term health.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
AI can enhance our understanding of organ clocks, allowing us to assess the aging of vital organs and integrate this data with polygenic risk scores to better predict health outcomes.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
The ability to track proteins like PAL 217 can provide early warnings about cognitive impairment, which can be modified through lifestyle changes.
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Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
We need to shift from a 'sick care' mindset to a preventive approach, utilizing compelling data to demonstrate the effectiveness of preventive measures.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
Preventive healthcare should focus on personalized risk assessments rather than mass screenings, which often miss a significant number of cancers and waste resources.
DE
Dr. Eric Topol
05/27/25
@ a16z
In the next 5 to 10 years, we will likely see people living much longer without major diseases, as countries adopt preventive healthcare strategies more effectively than the U.S.