In the very recent past, Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine have taken a huge step forward. Even before the concept of a “Fountain of Youth,” bright minds studied and tried to research understand the aging process. Now, because there have been so many recent breakthroughs, knowledge has moved to a new level. Some of the new discoveries are astounding.

It’s not so easy as a sip from a magic fountain, though. Our bodies and minds are incredibly complicated. We humans have many differences too. So, each person can present a different set of problems for physicians who would help us halt or reverse the aging process.

Researches have divided and subdivided their work. The primary categories are “Aniti-Aging Medicine” and “Regenerative Medicine.”

Anti-Aging Medicine
Anti-Aging Medicine is a specialty field. So, a physician might obtain a medical degree and then apply for a specialty in Anti-Aging, requiring additional years of study. According to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), “anti-aging medicine is based on principles of sound and responsible medical care that are consistent with those applied in other preventive health species.”

Anti-Aging Medicine is supported by scientific evidence and an orderly process of acquiring data. The National Library of Medicine hosts more than 3,000 peer-reviewed articles on the subject.

Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative Medicine is also a specialty field. It is the process of replacing or repairing tissue and organs. Commonly, we think about organ replacement such as kidneys or a heart but in today’s world, regenerative medicine includes stimulating the body to create it’s own replacements. A good example is knee cartilage which can be regenerated by the body through microfracture procedures.

The use of stem cells in Regenerative Medicine has been a highly productive area of research. There are research centers all over the world focusing on this kind of work. Some of the results include:

Growing organs in labs and transplanting them into humans; soldiers who have been injured are re-growing muscle and successfully using limbs transplanted from cadavers; dramatic results for ALS and stroke patients; and much more.

Living Well Longer
Anti-aging and Regenerative medicine provide ways for all of us to live well longer. Discoveries are happening fast, almost on top of one another. It’s worthwhile to pay attention.