Cause 2. Age and the Increased Risk of Amyloidosis: The Unavoidable Consequence of Growing Older
Age is one of the primary risk factors in the development of amyloidosis, particularly when considering AL amyloidosis (also known as primary amyloidosis). This disease type is the most common form and is directly associated with the ageing process. As our bodies age, the capacity for cells to perform their usual “housekeeping” functions can decline, leading to an increase in misfolded or ‘rogue’ proteins. These proteins, in turn, have the potential to form amyloid fibrils.
The occurrence of AL amyloidosis is most common in individuals aged 60 and above. The risk of developing this type of amyloidosis seems to increase with each passing decade of life. Research shows that men are slightly more at risk than women, although the reason for this gender discrepancy is not entirely understood. The exact mechanism through which aging contributes to amyloidosis is complex and multifactorial, involving both changes in the immune system and the body’s decreasing ability to manage and remove misfolded proteins.
Despite the correlation between aging and amyloidosis, it’s crucial to note that amyloidosis is not an inevitable result of getting older. Many factors can influence an individual’s risk, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and overall health. Age may be an unavoidable risk factor, but understanding and managing the disease early can have a significant impact on prognosis and quality of life. Knowledge and early detection remain the most potent weapons in the battle against amyloidosis. (2)
