A groundbreaking study led by the University of Exeter has uncovered new avenues for preventing and treating multiple overlapping chronic conditions, a challenge that affects millions worldwide. The research, which involved the analysis of millions of genetic and patient records, presents an opportunity to improve care for those living with multiple long-term health issues.
Currently, nine million people in the UK suffer from multiple long-term conditions, collectively referred to as multimorbidity. This group accounts for nearly half of the National Health Service (NHS) budget, underscoring the significant burden these conditions place on healthcare systems.
The GEMINI study, funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research, represents the largest investigation of its kind. The study analyzed genetic and clinical data from over three million individuals in the UK and Spain to explore the links between aging-related health conditions.
Published today in eBioMedicine, the research identified genetic overlaps in 72 long-term health conditions commonly associated with aging. These findings could pave the way for targeted treatments and preventative measures that address multiple conditions simultaneously. The study examined more than 2,500 combinations of conditions to uncover specific genes linked to multiple diseases. This research reveals how genetic factors contribute to the likelihood that certain conditions will occur together in patients, offering potential pathways to delay or prevent the onset of multimorbidity.
The study follows recent statements from the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Whitty, who has called for increased research into the treatment of multimorbidity, highlighting it as a priority area for healthcare improvement.
Dr. Joao Delgado, the lead researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School, emphasized the impact of overlapping long-term conditions on patients’ lives. “For the first time, we’ve conducted a massive-scale analysis of both genetics and clinical records to pinpoint where genes play a role in multiple conditions. This could lead to new approaches for preventing multimorbidity, including repurposing existing treatments or lifestyle interventions. For example, we found that conditions such as B12 deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia play a role in the development of multimorbidity, opening the door for new prevention strategies.”
Professor Jane Masoli, a co-author of the study, noted that a major challenge in treating overlapping health conditions is the current approach in clinical services, which tends to focus on single diseases rather than the broader picture of multimorbidity. “This research provides a platform for exploring the causes of overlapping health conditions, which could significantly enhance our understanding of how to treat patients more effectively. By moving toward personalized care, where we treat the whole person rather than isolated diseases, we can improve quality of life for those with multiple conditions and reduce strain on health systems.”
The findings of this study represent a major step forward in the effort to improve the treatment of multimorbidity, with the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered to aging populations.
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