Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) affects many aspects of a person’s life, including their physical health and development. One of the challenges faced by adults with PWS is premature aging. This includes issues such as reduced mobility, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline—all of which can significantly impact the quality of life. Recent research is exploring how growth hormone (GH) treatment might help slow down this ageing process and improve overall well-being.
GH is known to help with growth and development in children with PWS, but its effects on adults are less understood. A team at Erasmus University Medical Centre is investigating whether GH treatment can slow down premature aging in adults with PWS. They are conducting a study in the Netherlands with a large group of older adults who have never received GH treatment before. The researchers are examining both clinical and cellular levels of ageing when considering the effects of GH treatment. This includes physical aspects like mobility, muscle strength, and memory tasks, as well as looking into ageing factors within each person’s cells and DNA.
Understanding whether GH can slow down premature aging in adults with PWS is crucial. If successful, this treatment could improve the quality of life for many individuals by enhancing their physical health and cognitive function. Obtaining GH as an adult isn’t always easy worldwide, so this research could significantly support the need for GH beyond the ‘growth period’ and potentially provide a new standard of care for adults with PWS around the world