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Which age-related diseases have been linked to chronic inflammation?

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life span The mayfly (*Ephemera danica*) has a short life span, with adults living only one day.

Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in the aging process, often exacerbated by age-related oxidative stress. This inflammatory cascade is linked to several age-associated pathologies, including:

Cancer1
Cardiovascular disease1
Arthritis1
Neurodegenerative diseases1

Additionally, chronic inflammation is a hallmark of various disabling conditions that can impact health span, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, and chronic lung disease. Research also suggests a link between chronic periodontitis (gum disease) and an increased risk of Alzheimer disease, as well as a connection between brain inflammation and the formation of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer patients.234

It is essential to recognize that while chronic inflammation can be driven by factors like diet, infection, or stress, it serves as a critical biological mechanism that contributes to tissue dysfunction and the acceleration of aging.1