Ageing in an Elderly Ghanaian Population. A Cross Sectional Study of Physiological Parameters, FOXO3A Genetic Variability and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Brief background Worldwide, the population of the elderly has tripled in the last century. Projections indicate that the global population of persons aged 60 years and over, which was 11% in 2000 will reach 22% by 2050. Ageing is a gradual process with various determinants many of which are modifiable. Functional systemic changes, together with the effect of the environment, nutrition, lifestyle and genome of a person may insidiously lead to the development of chronic age-associated diseases. Biomarkers of ageing have been found to give good indication of the extent of ageing of the human body. Aim To compare selected physiological parameters in elderly Ghanaians with chronic illness to others without chronic illness and ascertain the presence of FOXO3a genetic variations which have been associated with longevity. Methodology Elderly Ghanaians aged 50 years and over were selected by purposive sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected physiological and anthropometric measurements were done. Blood samples were collected from participants for haematological examination and genetic studies. A questionnaire was administered to each participant to assess socioeconomic status, self-reported health status, general habits and cognitive function. The data collected was summarized in descriptive and analytical terms from which conclusions were drawn. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS An average of 76% of the population studied showed abnormalities in the following parameters: Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, Body mass index, Lower-limb weakness, Eye-sight or low Haemoglobin level. Fifty percent of respondents had anemia, 30.5% had blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg and BMI showed a significant decline with age. Worsening of eyesight, (85.9%), weakening of lower limbs, (50.8%), and hearing impairment (39.1%) were the most prevalent self-reported health parameters. The percentage of females who were found to have some deteriorated cognitive function was significantly higher than males (19.6% vs. 2.8%, p=0.016, Chi-square test). The results showed a positive correlation between the Mean Arterial Pressure and SOD activity. The three FOXO3a variants studied were found to exist in the Ghanaian population. The Comet Assay demonstrated mechanical deterioration in DNA in young adults and in the elderly.