Killing “Zombie Cells” Linked to Slowing the Aging Process

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic may have identified the cause of age-related illnesses. They believe that heart disease, dementia, cataracts and some cancers are caused by senescent cells, also called “zombie cells.” These cells have stopped dividing as they should and remain in the body despite being obsolete.

In addition to taking up space, the senescent cells release chemicals that damage other healthy cells nearby. This creates the conditions needed for an age-related illness to take hold. Researchers say that the body’s immune system should remove these cells, but somehow fail to over time. Now, research shifts to finding ways to remove those zombie cells or block the chemicals they secrete. When such drugs are discovered, the tides will turn in the fight against aging.