How Old Is Too Old?

Average paternal age is increasing in the UK (and USA) Growing evidence shows that the offspring of older fathers have an increased risk of some birth defects, some cancers, including breast , prostate and nervous system and schizophrenia. The public health implications have not been widely anticipated or debated. In October, in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health , a paper was published, "Advanced Paternal age: How old is too old?', led by epidemiologist Dr. Isabelle Bray.calling for a discussion of this issue.

It is thought that there is an increased risk of certain conditions due to an accumulation of mutations etc. in the sperm of older men. It was cited that the "accumulation of damage to DNA in sperm of men age 36-57 is three times that of men <35.", They include studies of childhood cancers, childhood brain cancer, retinoblastoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia all having increased incidence with advanced paternal age. The epidemiologists state in the article that as our appreciation of the genetic contribution to disease develops it seems probable that if the current trends in the timing of fatherhood continues, the consequences at a population level may be worth considering. To illustrate the possible scale of the effects, results from a Swedish population based cohort study have been used to estimate that the increase in paternal age since 1980 could account for 10% of new cases of schizophrenia diagnosed in the UK in 2002. Adverse health outcomes should be weighed up against potential social advantages and disadvantages for children born to older parents, mindful that these societal effects are likely to change over time. Possible interventions they imagine might include health promotions advising people about the risk of delaying childbearing or changes at a societal level (family benefits, etc.) that encourage couples to have children earlier rather than later.


Posted by: Dorje    Source