The Link Between Older Dads and Genetic Diseases

Is there a link between older dads and genetic diseases? According to science the answer is yes. Fathers who are younger when they have children may pass on health benefits including good heart health when compared to men who father children at an older age. The study which determined this link between older dads and genetic diseases was made public in the Nature Genetics Journal, and it was led by Professor Andrew Wilkie, who is a professor at the University of Oxford. The study focuses on spermatocytic seminomas, which are found in the testes and are a rare tumor form. These tumors are caused because of a buildup of genetic mutations, and many men may develop them as they age. Most of the time they are benign, but the cells affect the genetic quality of the sperm produced.

The link between older dads and genetic diseases has been proven, but there is still a lot of work to do. Many genetic diseases may be the result of these abnormal cells, or of other mutations which cause no harm in the man but that can have devastating consequences for any child that is produced from a genetically mutated sperm cell. The research shows that the heart health benefits and other health benefits of a younger father are better, because there are fewer genetic mutations present in the sperm cells. The link between older dads and genetic diseases is still being explored, and scientists theorize that many genetic diseases may be passed on this way.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.