Growth hormone: potential uses in the elderly

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) may not be the panacea for aging or the fountain of youth, but it may have a role in cell protection. In this way, it could provide elderly patients with greater independence by protecting against osteoporosis, increasing muscle strength and possibly even reducing cholesterol levels. This was concluded at a symposium on the use of GH for preventing physical frailty in older persons, sponsored by the US National Institute on Aging. The symposium was held at the recent XVth Congress of the International Association of Gerontology in Budapest, Hungary.