An evidence-based review of aging of the body systems following spinal cord injury.

Summary: Imagine your body has an internal clock that dictates how fast you age. For people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), that clock might tick faster for some parts of the body than others. A comprehensive review of 74 studies reveals that SCI often acts as a catalyst for "premature aging" in the heart, hormones, and bones. Essentially, these systems may become frail or worn down earlier than expected. However, it’s not all bad news: the digestive system, skin, and nervous system don't seem to suffer this same accelerated aging. Understanding which parts of the body are vulnerable allows doctors to protect long-term health more effectively.