Basic research is providing significant insights into the aging process and associated chronic conditions. Most normal cells have little telomerase activity, and these cells lose a portion of their telomeres each time that they divide. When the telomeres have shortened sufficiently, cells stop dividing. Research is now being directed toward understanding whether this limited capacity for cell division is related to the diseases or disability that can accompany aging. In contrast to the behavior of normal cells, most human tumor cells have high levels of telomerase activity-these cells maintain their telomere length and divide endlessly.
Many scientists view telomerase inhibition as a potential new approach to cancer therapy.
The excitement of new scientific advances is illustrated in research relevant to several chronic disabling diseases- Alzheimers disease, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Alzheimer's disease . The long clinical course of Alzheimer's disease strikes as many as four million Americans, with devastating effects to patients, their families, caregivers, and society. Some scientists have projected a tripling of individuals with Alzheimer's disease to 14 million by the year 2050 if means to delay or prevent its onset are not discovered. In the absence of disease, the human brain functions well throughout life.