admin Age and Dupuytren’s: Why the Disease Gets More Common Over Time
Categories: Dupuytren’s Contracture; Aging; Fibrosis; Risk Factors
Keywords: Dupuytren’s contracture, aging, fibrosis, collagen, oxidative stress, cell senescence, connective tissue, metabolism
Slug: age-and-dupuytrens
Meta Description: Dupuytren’s becomes more common with age. Learn how cell senescence and oxidative stress accelerate fibrosis and how to slow it.
Suggested Alt Text: “Older hand showing Dupuytren’s cords over time progression”
Source & Link: Aging Cell. 2021; 20(4): e13312. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8047963/
License: CC-BY 4.0
Age and Dupuytren’s: Why the Disease Gets More Common Over Time
Introduction
Age is one of the strongest predictors of Dupuytren’s contracture. While genetics and lifestyle set the stage, aging creates the perfect environment for fibrosis to take hold. As we get older, cells lose their ability to repair properly and accumulate oxidative damage, making the connective tissue stiffer and less resilient.
How Aging Affects Connective Tissue
With time, fibroblasts —the cells that produce collagen— slow down in repair accuracy but speed up in scar formation. This imbalance leads to excess collagen and cross-linking that reduces flexibility. Blood flow and oxygen delivery also decrease, further slowing healing and promoting stiffness.
Cell Senescence and Fibrosis
Cell senescence refers to cells that stop dividing but don’t die. They release inflammatory molecules that stimulate fibroblasts to keep producing collagen. Over decades, this steady drip of inflammation and oxidative stress sets the stage for Dupuytren’s and other fibrotic conditions like frozen shoulder and plantar fibromatosis.
Research Findings
A study in Aging Cell found that older Dupuytren’s tissue shows higher levels of oxidative damage, altered mitochondrial function, and senescence-associated proteins. These changes explain why the disease progresses more quickly in older patients and why recurrence after treatment is common.
Lifestyle Influences
Although we can’t stop aging, we can slow the fibrotic process by supporting cellular health:
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, turmeric, omega-3 fats).
Stay physically active to improve circulation and collagen turnover.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol — both accelerate oxidative stress.
Prioritize sleep and stress reduction to support cell repair.
Emerging Therapies
Researchers are exploring ways to remove senescent cells (“senolytics”) or boost mitochondrial function to restore tissue health. These approaches may someday slow fibrosis and improve treatment outcomes for aging patients.
Conclusion
Aging isn’t the cause of Dupuytren’s, but it amplifies the biological processes behind it. By protecting cells from oxidative damage and maintaining metabolic health, you can help keep your hands —and connective tissues — strong and supple as you age.
Legal & Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider. Dupuytren’s Solutions is an educational resource to support —not replace— professional care. Individual results may vary.
Call to Action
Learn how to protect connective tissue as you age at DupuytrensSolutions.com. Join our community for research updates and real-life patient experiences: facebook.com/groups/dupuytrenssolutionsandhealth.
Attribution
(CC BY 4.0) Adapted from Kirk T et al. Aging and Fibrosis in Dupuytren’s Contracture. Aging Cell. 2021; 20(4): e13312. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Source.
