In Pakistan, for the longest period, mothers have been the ones to be blamed for any genetic disorders or anomaly that a child may have. But according to a new study by JAMA Psychiatry, that might not be the case.
The study reveals that children born to older men are more prone to genetic diseases like Down syndrome and ADHD, than those born to younger men. While a man’s fertility might last longer than a woman’s, as time passes by, the rate of genetic mutation passed by their sperm cells increases greatly; this can lead to problems for the offspring.
Older men are more likely to have children with abnormalities and a new study of genetics points out that comparing to younger fathers, older fathers significantly pass more genetic mutations to their offspring that increases the risk for their developmental problems.
These children are at a greater risk for Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. They have twice a risk to develop a psychosis in some cases and these kids (bache) more likely to not do well in school and get failing grades.
The age factor is still considered as a primary force for the mental health of children with older fathers and still has an effect on the gene expression, paternal age is linked with mutations.
Men have a higher rate of sperm division cell as compared to women and that is a disadvantage for them. This study explains the steady increase in cases of autism and other psychological disorders in the US, as most men get married late and eventually end up having children that are more prone to these diseases.
Perhaps it is time that in Pakistan, instead of pestering women to get married soon, we ask men to tie the knot early too, as it might curb many disorders amongst children.
