You know your age, but do you know how your body is aging?
At Executive Medicine of Texas (EMTX), we offer advanced testing that helps patients better understand factors linked to the aging process and their overall wellness.
Telomere testing and TruAge epigenetic age testing look at different signs of aging to help you and your provider better understand your health.
Keep reading to learn how telomere testing and TruAge biological age testing work, what each test measures, and how these assessments may support your long-term health goals.
You know your age, but do you really know how fast you’re aging?
Your chronological and cellular age may be different. SpectraCell’s Telomere Test can measure and quantify this by analyzing the length of your telomeres.
Telomeres are protective sections of genetic material located at the ends of each chromosome. They help protect chromosomes during cell division. As cells age, telomeres naturally become shorter. Over time, very short telomeres may affect the ability of cells to divide properly.
Age-adjusted telomere length is one method used to assess biological age by measuring changes at the cellular level.
At EMTX, telomere testing may provide insight into how your biological age compares with your chronological age.
TELOMERE TESTING
Like many health measurements, repeat telomere testing over time can provide additional insight into changes in your aging process compared with others in your age group.
Shorter telomeres may be associated with factors such as increased oxidative stress, chronic health conditions and changes in the body’s ability to maintain healthy cells.
Some EMTX patients choose to combine telomere testing with genetic testing to get a clearer picture of factors influencing their aging and overall health.
Telomere testing starts at $398
SAMPLE TELOMERE TEST REPORT
Telomeres are sections of genetic material at the end of each chromosome. Their primary function is to help prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates.
As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. Eventually, telomeres may become too short for normal cell replication. This is a natural part of the aging process.
Executive Medicine of Texas’ telomere test can determine the length of a patient’s telomeres and compare the results with expected telomere length for that patient’s age.
TruAge epigenetic age testing
TruAge COMPLETE — full epigenetic analysis
TruAge COMPLETE is an epigenetic age test that analyzes DNA methylation patterns to estimate your biological age and provide insight into different aspects of the aging process.
We use advanced testing to help patients better understand their health and support their long-term wellness goals.
EMTX offers TruAge epigenetic age testing as part of TruAge COMPLETE. While telomere testing measures the length of your telomeres, TruAge testing looks at DNA changes linked to biological aging.
TruAge COMPLETE also includes telomere testing and several epigenetic measurements that provide different insights into how your body is aging:
- OMICmAge is an epigenetic biological-age algorithm that looks at small chemical changes to your DNA, called DNA methylation, to estimate biological age. Research supporting OMICmAge was developed through collaboration with researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- SYMPHONYAge is an epigenetic algorithm designed to evaluate aging patterns across different organ systems. SYMPHONYAge was developed using research from Yale University focused on organ-specific aging patterns.
- TruAge PACE focuses specifically on the rate at which your body may be aging compared with population averages. TruAge PACE includes DunedinPACE, a measure that uses DNA methylation patterns to estimate a person’s pace of aging.
- What do DunedinPACE scores mean?
DunedinPACE was developed and validated through peer-reviewed research evaluating DNA methylation patterns associated with the pace of aging.- A score below 1.0 may suggest a slower-than-average pace of aging
- A score of 1.0 reflects an average pace of aging
- A score above 1.0 may suggest an accelerated pace of aging
- What do DunedinPACE scores mean?
Available in Southlake, TX, TruAge testing is part of EMTX’s personalized approach to preventive care, concierge medicine and executive health. Patients throughout the DFW area can use these insights alongside services such as executive physical exams to better understand their health and create a personalized strategy with their provider, including approaches such as the BOSS Method™.
TruAge COMPLETE starts at $710 and includes multiple epigenetic measurements, along with telomere testing and TruAge PACE, to provide a broader picture of biological aging. Pricing may vary based on your personalized care plan
Why biological age testing matters
Your chronological age tells you how many years you have lived, but it does not always reflect how your body is aging.
Biological age testing provides another way to understand changes happening inside your body. Telomere testing and TruAge testing evaluate different areas of aging, which means they can provide complementary information when used together.
At EMTX, these insights can be combined with other personalized services, including peptide therapy and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), to support a personalized approach to health optimization.
Telomere & biological age Q & A
What is telomere testing?
Aging is often thought of as a number, but aging also occurs at the cellular level. As you get older, your telomeres, protective sections of genetic material located at the end of each chromosome, naturally become shorter.
Telomere blood testing measures the length of your telomeres and compares your results with the average telomere length for people of the same age. This information may provide insight into your biological age and how your cells are aging.
If your results fall outside the expected range, your EMTX provider can help you understand what your results may mean and discuss personalized strategies to support your health and wellness goals.
What factors can affect the results of telomere testing?
Several factors may influence telomere length, including lifestyle habits, genetics, environmental factors and overall health.
For example, factors such as nutrition, physical activity, stress levels and sleep habits may affect how your body ages over time. Your EMTX provider can help you identify healthy habits and personalized strategies that support long-term wellness.
What if my telomeres are shorter than average?
If telomere testing shows that your telomeres are shorter than expected, your EMTX provider can help you understand your results and develop a personalized approach to support your health goals.
This may include recommendations related to nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, and other lifestyle factors. Depending on your individual needs, your provider may also recommend additional services designed to optimize your health and wellness.
How often should I undergo telomere testing?
EMTX recommends you undergo telomere testing at least once a year.
Repeat testing may allow your provider to compare results over time and evaluate changes related to your personalized health approach.
Does the concierge medicine program include telomere testing?
Telomere testing is available as an add-on service for patients during their executive physical exam or if they are enrolled in a concierge medicine program at EMTX. If you’re interested in telomere testing, your provider can discuss whether this assessment may be appropriate for your health goals.
What is the difference between telomere testing and TruAge epigenetic testing?
Telomere testing and TruAge epigenetic testing both provide insight into biological aging, but they measure different things.
● Telomere testing measures the length of telomeres, which are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes.
● TruAge testing looks at DNA changes linked to aging to provide insight into biological age and the pace of aging.
● TrueAge COMPLETE combines telomere testing with several epigenetic measurements to provide a more comprehensive view of biological aging.
These tests can help you and your provider better understand your health and wellness goals.
What is biological age?
Biological age is an estimate of how your body is aging at the cellular level. It reflects changes happening inside your body that may be influenced by genetics, lifestyle habits, environment and overall health.
While chronological age tells you how many years you have lived, biological age provides insight into changes happening inside your body over time. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, environment and overall health may influence biological age.
Schedule your biological age testing at Executive Medicine of Texas
You may know your chronological age but understanding how your body is aging can provide valuable insight into your long-term health goals.
At EMTX, telomere testing and TruAge epigenetic age testing offer complementary ways to better understand biological aging.
Located in Southlake, TX, EMTX helps patients throughout the area take a proactive approach to their health through personalized testing, executive physical exams, and concierge medical care.
To learn more about biological age testing, request an appointment with Executive Medicine of Texas today or call 817-523-6891.
