Advanced paternal age: How old is too old?

Smith, George Davey; Bray, Issy; Gunnell, David

Abstract

Average paternal age in the UK is increasing. The public
health implications of this trend have not been widely
anticipated or debated. This commentary aims to contribute
to such a debate. Accumulated chromosomal aberrations
and mutations occurring during the maturation of male germ
cells are thought to be responsible for the increased risk of certain conditions with older fathers. Growing evidence
shows that the offspring of older fathers have reduced fertility and an increased risk of birth defects, some cancers, and schizophrenia. Adverse health outcomes should be weighed up against advantages for children born to older parents, mindful that these societal advantages are likely to change over time.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2006
• Journal: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
• Print ISSN: 0143-005X
• Electronic ISSN: 1470-2738
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 851-853
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2005.045179
• Keywords: advanced paternal age
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1043070
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech.2005.045179