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The risky business of advanced paternal age: neurodevelopmental and psychosocial implications for children of older fathers.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Zweifel, JE; Woodward, JT
Published in: Fertil Steril
December 2022

The last several decades are notable for an increase in the percentage of births attributable to men in their 40s and 50s. There is general recognition of offspring health risks related to advanced maternal age, however, fewer patients and providers are informed about the impacts of advanced paternal age (APA). This review examined the literature investigating the association between APA and offspring outcomes, specifically, neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, academic, and behavioral impairment, the impact of paternal health decline and death, and the influence of age on parenting behaviors. This analysis revealed that children, and even grandchildren, of older fathers face significantly increased incidence rates of psychiatric disease and behavioral impairment. The data do not show evidence of superior parenting behaviors among men with APA. Finally, children of men with APA are significantly more likely to experience early bereavement, which is associated with psychological and developmental consequences. An understanding of the degree to which APA can negatively impact the offspring is imperative for patient counseling and development of practice guidelines.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Fertil Steril

DOI

EISSN

1556-5653

Publication Date

December 2022

Volume

118

Issue

6

Start / End Page

1013 / 1021

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Paternal Age
  • Parenting
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Fathers
  • Child
  • 3215 Reproductive medicine
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Zweifel, J. E., & Woodward, J. T. (2022). The risky business of advanced paternal age: neurodevelopmental and psychosocial implications for children of older fathers. Fertil Steril, 118(6), 1013–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.029
Zweifel, Julianne E., and Julia T. Woodward. “The risky business of advanced paternal age: neurodevelopmental and psychosocial implications for children of older fathers.Fertil Steril 118, no. 6 (December 2022): 1013–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.029.
Zweifel, Julianne E., and Julia T. Woodward. “The risky business of advanced paternal age: neurodevelopmental and psychosocial implications for children of older fathers.Fertil Steril, vol. 118, no. 6, Dec. 2022, pp. 1013–21. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.029.
Journal cover image

Published In

Fertil Steril

DOI

EISSN

1556-5653

Publication Date

December 2022

Volume

118

Issue

6

Start / End Page

1013 / 1021

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Paternal Age
  • Parenting
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Fathers
  • Child
  • 3215 Reproductive medicine
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine