Four renowned doctors help you navigate the changes that come with aging.
Ovarian Aging
Dr Bani Kumar Mitra, Founder & Chief Consultant at Abha Surgy Centre. He is a distinguished Member of the National Board of Exams and holds a Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK.
Ovarian aging, also interpreted as female reproductive aging, is mainly defined by the loss of quantity and quality of oocyte or follicular pool. The loss of oocyte quality is believed to be due to an increased meiotic rate of aneuploidy (abnormalities) in the early embryo at higher female ages.
As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. Postponing family building until women are well in their thirties will frequently lead to a permanent loss of a woman’s reproductive potential, even with using ART treatment. Quality of life may significantly decrease, whereas sexual dysfunction and neurological disease may increase later in life.
Age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect ATP production which may impact oocyte quality. Although there are currently no clinically feasible techniques to reverse age-related ovarian dysfunction, few therapies can enhance the quality of oocytes and delay reproductive aging by influencing the energy metabolism of oocytes. Oxidative damage is a key factor in age-related decline, and treatment aims to counteract ovarian aging through antioxidant interventions. They stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants, improve mitochondrial function, alleviate age-related oxidative stress damage to oocytes, and enhance oocyte quality. Supplementation with CoQ10 can improve mitochondrial function in oocytes and developing embryos and subsequently, assist healthy pregnancy outcomes for aging women.
Aging & Your Brain – What Changes, What’s Normal & What Isn’t
Dr Amit Yeole, MD DNB Neuro. Practicing Neurologist for the last 13 years; DNB (Neurology) from Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.
Starting in your 30s, the brain becomes smaller, reducing blood flow and pulling back on the size of its nerve network. We don’t feel these small, early changes and our brain picks up the slack by growing new patterns of nerve endings. However, as we get older, these physical shifts start affecting how the brain works.
Researchers are finding that the older we get, the more time it can take for our brains to process information and perform their regular job of remembering, reasoning and thinking – work that’s also known as cognitive functioning. Over time, dopamine, serotonin and other chemical messengers in our brain also start to decline, leading to a decrease in brain performance and a rise in depression.
Key nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate), antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, play a critical role in maintaining cognitive health. These nutrients support brain cell function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote the production of essential neurotransmitters. Supplementing these micronutrients can help slow cognitive decline, improve memory, and enhance overall brain function. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
It is essential to support our brains with proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental engagement to promote healthy aging and maintain cognitive function.
Understanding Dermal Aging
Dr Ajeet Singh Sethi; MD, Dermatology. Dr Sethi is a dedicated and highly experienced Dermatology & Cosmetology professional with 18 years of expertise in providing comprehensive skincare and cosmetic treatments.
How your skin ages will depend on a variety of factors: Your lifestyle, diet, heredity, and other personal habits. For instance, smoking can produce free radicals. Free radicals damage cells, leading to, among other things, premature wrinkles. While intrinsic aging is largely determined by genetics and happens over time, extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices accelerate skin aging. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of photoaging, leading to discoloration, rough texture, and deeper wrinkles.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in dermal aging by influencing the skin’s ability to repair itself, retain moisture, and maintain elasticity. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish and flaxseeds, support the skin’s lipid barrier, promoting hydration and reducing inflammation, which helps maintain a smooth, supple appearance. Protein-rich foods aid in collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin structure and firmness, while adequate hydration helps keep the skin plump and reduces the formation of wrinkles.
To slow dermal aging, a combination of prevention and targeted skincare is crucial. Regular use of sunscreen is essential for protecting skin from harmful UV rays. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help neutralise free radicals. Retinoids and peptides stimulate collagen production, helping to restore the skin’s firmness and reduce fine lines. Staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and adopting a skincare routine tailored to individual needs are all equally important to combat aging.
Aging & Liver Health
Dr Chandratreya Sujit Arun, MD, DM, DNB (Endocrinology). The first endocrinologist in North Maharashtra, practicing at Endocare Superspeciality Clinic, Mohiniraj, Nashik.
The liver is called the “immune system organ” because of its detoxification and metabolic role in the body. Approximately 35% reduction in the blood volume is observed in an individual above 65. The neural fat and cholesterol volumes in the liver gradually expand as one gets older, and the blood cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, neutral fat and serum bilirubin levels also increase over time. It has also been suggested that decline in liver function with respect to age results from increased generation of mitochondrial ROS. Many liver-associated diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma may result from the increased generation of ROS by dysfunctional mitochondria.
Vitamin levels in the body also reduce due to liver diseases. Deficiency of minerals like zinc may cause cell and tissue damage, in turn negatively impacting regeneration capacity. Micronutrient supplementation can be a simple yet effective solution for the age-related decline in liver functioning. Vitamins such as A, C, D, E, B1, B6, B9 have anti-proliferative, immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic effects. They have a very important role of scavenging ROS, thus reducing the oxidative stress. Micronutrients can also restore the nutrient deficiency caused by old age, thus treating the underlying issues. Supplementing our liver with nutrients is the best way to ensure it stays healthy.
