孩子的健康問題與父親的年紀息息相關 Child health problems linked to father’s age

A wide range of disorders and problems in school-age children have been linked to delayed fatherhood in a major study involving millions of people.

在一項數百萬人參與的大型研究中，學齡兒童的許多疾病與問題，都與父親較高齡得子有關。

Increased rates of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder （ADHD）, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicide attempts and substance abuse problems were all reported.

自閉症、注意力不足過動症（ADHD）、躁鬱症、精神分裂症、自殺未遂與濫用藥物問題，均通報比率增加。

The study, in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests mutated sperm were to blame. However, experts say the benefits older dads bring may outweigh any problems.

這份刊登在「JAMA精神病學」的研究顯示，這要歸咎於精子的突變。然而，專家說，年紀較大的父親帶來的好處可能比問題還多。

Comparing children of a 45-year-old dad to those of a 24-year-old father it indicated：

比較45歲父親與24歲父親所生的小孩，發現：

●autism was more than three times as likely

自閉症機率多3倍以上

●a 13-fold increased risk of ADHD

注意力不足過動症為13倍

●double the risk of a psychotic disorder

精神疾病風險加倍

●25 times more likely to have bipolar disorder

躁鬱症多25倍
新聞辭典

disorder：名詞，疾病。例句：The family have a history of mental disorder.（這家人有精神疾病病史。）

mutate：動詞，突變。例句：These bacteria have mutated into forms that are resistant to certain drugs.（這些細菌突變成對某些藥物有抗藥性的形式。）

outweigh：動詞，比…重要。例句：The benefits of this treatment far outweigh any risks.（這種療法的好處遠大於風險。）