It is recognised that ageing is not a pathological process, and that chronological age is heterogeneous and does not equate to physiological age. In ICD-11 the term 'Ageing associated decline in intrinsic capacity' is included under the MG2A diagnostic category of symptoms, signs or clinical findings not classified elsewhere.
The term acknowledges the biological, physiological and psychological processes of ageing and the detrimental effect these can have on an individual's intrinsic capacity. Furthermore, ageing is recognised as a cause of disease and has been assigned the extension code XT9T.
It is vital that a comprehensive classification and staging system is developed for age-related pathology, to allow societies to better understand and meet the healthcare, workforce and economic needs of ageing populations, and to develop interventions to prevent, reverse and slow/ halt the progression of age-related pathology.
Age-related changes in a tissue or organ include senescence, atrophy, pathological remodelling, calcification and metabolic dysfunction. It is anticipated that a staging system for each of these parameters will be devised on an organ specific basis.
We are seeking to establish 12 working groups of subject experts to give feedback, guidance and consensus agreement on the classification and staging systems. The working groups are:
Neurological, Cardiovascular, Immunological, Endocrine and Metabolic, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, Nephrological/Urological, Reproductive, Dermatological, Audiovestibular, Ophthalmic, Gastroenterology / Hepatobiliary /Pancreatic.
What will it involve?
The groups will meet (virtually and/ or in person) over the course of two years to give input to:
Criteria for defining an age-related pathology
Classification system of age-related pathology (i.e. which pathologies will be included for each system)
Criteria for biomarkers/parameters to be used in staging
Biomarkers/ parameters to be used to stage each pathology to be finalised
Staging system for age-related pathology
Any questions please contact
Dr Emma Short EShort@cardiffmet.ac.uk