Abstract
Aging
is a complex continuous multifactorial process leading to loss of
function and crystalizing into the many age-related diseases. Here, we
explore the arguments for classifying aging as a disease in the context
of the upcoming World Health Organization’s 11th International
Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems
(ICD-11), expected to be finalized in 2018. We hypothesize that
classifying aging as a disease will result in new approaches and
business models for addressing aging as a treatable condition, which
will lead to both economic and healthcare benefits for all stakeholders.
Classification of aging as a disease may lead to more efficient
allocation of resources by enabling funding bodies and other
stakeholders to use quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and
healthy-years equivalent (HYE) as metrics when evaluating both research
and clinical programs. We propose forming a Task Force to interface the
WHO in order to develop a multidisciplinary framework for classifying
aging as a disease.
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