Allostatic Load as a Correlate of Aging – Fight Aging!

Allostatic load, or AL, is the term used to describe the wear and tear on the body from chronic stress and its impact on physiological regulation. This dysregulation affects multiple systems in the body and brain, leading to various health issues over time. Research has shown that older and disadvantaged groups are at a higher risk of experiencing high AL. The primary contributors to AL include stress hormones and cytokines, which can result in metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disturbances. Age, depressive symptoms, and various socioeconomic and lifestyle factors have been found to be associated with high AL. A study used thirteen biomarkers to identify high AL and found that age was the strongest predictor for belonging to the high AL group. Other factors such as depressive symptoms, gender, lack of physical exercise, high alcohol consumption, and low education level also contributed to a higher likelihood of having high AL. For more information, please visit the link here.