The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging

Dear Dr. Dean,I’m a nurse writing up a research study. And after reading several articles of yours, and others that reference "The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging," I would like to reference this book as well. I had fully intended to purchase this text, but it appears to be out of print.One author, (Sandlow) published in the newsletter of the American Academy of Pain Management, makes the following comment:"Dilman and Dean (1992), who are responsible for the neuroendocrine theory of aging, refer to this as adrenal maladaptation or hyperadaptosis. Hyperadaptosis is considered by some to be a precursor to Cushing’s syndrome, and is characterized by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol levels and is caused by the loss of hypothalamic sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of cortisol. (Dilman, 1981)."It is unclear to me if the comment regarding hyperadaptosis-as-a-precursor-to-Cushing’s is attributed to your text, or to Dilman’s work: The Law of Deviation of Homeostasis in Diseases of Aging (1981).I am wondering if you are able to clarify the source of this statement as I would very much like to reference the source. If it is from your work, I’m wondering if you would be willing to look up the page number of this comment. (The journal to which I wish to submit requires page numbers.)I’m thinking a peek in the index, under Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal/pituitary tumor, might locate a page number? Or perhaps the comment is located in a section discussing adrenal exhaustion?Thank you very much for your time and consideration, Dr. Dean. I realize that this is a completely presumptuous request, but any help would be greatly appreciated.Regards,Ms. L RN

Dear Ms. L, The reference is probably adapted from our 1992 book (The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging and Degenerative Disease), which is a revision and update of Dilman’s earlier (1981) work. Hyperadaptosis is described in detail on pp. 6-7, and 23-30 of our 1992 book. Unfortunately, the book is long out of print, and I haven’t had time to revise it. A somewhat less-technical update has appeared as a series of articles in Vitamin Research News, all of which are available on VRP’s website (www.vrp.com). Thanks for your interest. Ward Dean, M.D.