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Advanced paternal age: How old is too old?

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

Authors

George Davey Smith

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Issy Bray Issy.Bray@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Public Health (Epidemiology)

David Gunnell



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.

Citation

Smith, G. D., Bray, I., & Gunnell, D. (2006). Advanced paternal age: How old is too old?. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 60(10), 851-853. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2005.045179

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Oct 1, 2006
Journal Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Print ISSN 0143-005X
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