Why Children of parents with alcohol problems often exhibit early signs
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Children of parents with alcohol problems often exhibit early signs of age-related diseases by their 40s.
Aging markers like senescence can be inherited from parents who abuse alcohol.
Improving parental health before conception can positively influence the long-term health of their children.
Recent research has revealed that parents with alcohol use disorders can transmit symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These effects, which include high cholesterol, heart issues, arthritis, and early-onset dementia, can be passed down by either parent. However, the impact is more severe when both parents have alcohol-related problems, especially for male children.
This early aging phenomenon is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents who consume alcohol excessively. The dysfunction accelerates the onset of age-related diseases in children, making them susceptible to health issues typically associated with older adults.
Studies using animal models have shown that children of parents who drink heavily are more likely to inherit markers of aging, such as senescence, which is when cells slow down or stop dividing. This process, a key indicator of aging, can lead to cognitive decline and memory problems. It is also associated with liver damage, particularly in male offspring, when both parents have alcohol abuse issues.
Understanding the biological link between parental alcohol use and child development has led researchers to emphasize the importance of parental health before conception. By improving their health through diet, exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption, parents can positively influence their children's health and potentially delay the onset of inherited dysfunctions.
This research highlights the critical role of pre-conception health in shaping the long-term well-being of future generations. Healthy lifestyle choices made by parents before pregnancy can have lasting benefits, extending the years their children remain healthy and free from chronic disease.
