The most extensive study ever conducted, examining millions of genetic and patient records related to long-term health conditions in later life, has uncovered new possibilities for preventing and treating various interconnected ailments.
Currently, around nine million individuals in the UK are affected by two or more long-term illnesses simultaneously, a situation referred to as multimorbidity. The management of these conditions consumes half of the NHS’s budget.
Conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School and backed by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the GEMINI study analyzed genetic and clinical data from over three million individuals in the UK and Spain.
Published today in eBioMedicine, the research uncovered genetic links among 72 long-term health issues related to aging, pinpointing specific genes associated with multiple conditions. With the analysis of more than 2,500 combinations of different health issues, this initiative aims to discover scenarios where medications or preventive measures could avert or postpone the development of multimorbidity. It also highlighted genetic ties that clarify why certain health conditions are more likely to occur together in the same individual.
The study follows a statement from the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Whitty, who emphasized the importance of enhancing the treatment of individuals with one or more long-term conditions—referred to as multimorbidity—as a vital area for research.
Dr. Joao Delgado from the University of Exeter Medical School spearheaded the research, stating: “The existence of overlapping long-term health conditions significantly affects the lives of millions and is challenging and expensive to treat. For the first time, we’ve undertaken an extensive analysis that merges genetic and clinical records, employing a fresh and solid approach to discover how genes are instrumental in multiple health issues. We are currently delving into specific combinations of these conditions and anticipate revealing existing medications or lifestyle modifications that could be adapted to prevent multimorbidity, yielding promising outcomes. For instance, we have identified treatable conditions, such as B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, as contributing factors to the rise of multimorbidity. This will facilitate a more tailored approach to prevention and treatment of these interconnected conditions.”
Professor Jane Masoli, a co-author of the study from the University of Exeter Medical School, remarked: “A significant challenge in managing overlapping health conditions is that clinical services and guidelines primarily focus on individual diseases rather than addressing the broader perspective. Researching multiple conditions is highly complex, and until now, studies have typically concentrated on a single condition. This research establishes a foundation for investigating the causes of interconnected health issues, offering substantial benefits for accelerating medical knowledge and ultimately enhancing people’s lives. Adopting a more personalized treatment approach—viewing patients as whole individuals instead of isolated cases—will likely enhance the quality of care for those living with multiple conditions and ease the strain on healthcare systems.”
