Glycation end products, also known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), are abnormal proteins that form when a sugar molecule attaches itself to a protein or lipid. This process is called glycation and can lead to the formation of these unwanted compounds. AGEs have been linked to various age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. They are also thought to contribute to the aging process itself by causing damage to proteins, cells, and tissues throughout the body.