Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics

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Electrolyte Imbalance in Elderly Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Analysis from a Tertiary Center
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Eldhose, R; Gopinath, KG; Thomas, JC.
Background and Aim: The morbidity and mortality associated with stroke in older persons are high, and electrolyte imbalances may play an important role. Early detection and correction of these factors can improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess electrolyte imbalance in patients presenting to a tertiary care center with acute stroke. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the department of geriatrics of a tertiary care hospital in South India. We included 43 inpatients aged ?60 years who were admitted with an acute stroke between November 2019 and November 2021. Laboratory values of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus checked during the inpatient stay were recorded. Data were obtained from the discharge summaries, electronic medical records, and online prescriptions. Results: Forty-three patients were included in the study, of which 33 (77%) had ischemic stroke (IS) and 10 (23%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Electrolyte imbalance was observed in 27 (62.8%) patients. Eighty percent of hemorrhagic stroke patients and 57.7% of IS patients had an electrolyte imbalance. The most common electrolyte imbalance was hyponatremia (25.5%), followed by hypokalemia (20.9%). Fourteen percent had hypophosphatemia, 9.3% had hyperphosphatemia, 4% had hyperkalemia, 4.7% had hypernatremia, and 2.3% had hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalance is common in patients presenting with acute stroke. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality, followed by hypokalemia. Patients with an acute stroke should be regularly assessed for electrolyte abnormalities.
Awareness of Geriatric Services among North Indian Graduate Medical Students – Insights for Planning Training in Geriatric Medicine
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Fatima, Z; Lahari, TSS; Pandey, A; Chakrabarti, SS; Kaur, U.
Background: The older population is rapidly increasing in India. We aimed to understand the perception of graduate medical students toward geriatric medicine services, which might aid in future geriatric curriculum planning. Materials and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey that was conducted in a major tertiary university hospital in North India. Final-year graduate medical students and medical interns were included in this survey after obtaining written informed consent. Results: One hundred and fifty?two medicalstudents(91 final year and 61 interns) were interviewed. The majority (90.8%) were aware of the existence of geriatric health services (GHS). One hundred and forty-nine (98%) agreed to the need for a separate GHS. The important reasons, as per the students, were physiological differences (40%), multimorbidity (22.4%), and atypical clinical presentations in older persons (20.4%). The majority (70.8%) of students had poor knowledge of the role of a pharmacologist in GHS. One hundred and thirty-seven (90.1%) students had poor awareness of medical institutions providing geriatric residency programs. Nearly two-thirds of the students were willing to join such programs, but it was the least preferred clinical choice. Fewer job prospects (46.1%) and lack of public awareness (19.2%) were the most common reasons for unwillingness. Conclusions: Revisions are needed in the teaching curriculum of Indian medical students with an emphasis on a multifaceted approach to older persons’ health care. The career prospects of students pursuing the subject should be strengthened.
Uncontrolled Hypertension among Older Hypertensive Patients and Their Drug Adherence Pattern
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Umakalyani, K; Chandrasekaran, K; Dhinagaran, S; Shanmugam, N
Background: Hypertension is a prevalent comorbid condition among the older population, and it is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. However, the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among older hypertensive patients on medications is not well-studied. Furthermore, the knowledge about drug adherence patterns among hypertensive patients and factors contributing to nonadherence is the need of the hour to know the burden of the problem. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among older hypertensive patients, their drug adherence pattern, and factors contributing to nonadherence. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study done at the National Centre of Ageing, Guindy, Chennai. Blood pressure (BP) was measured for older hypertensive patients who were on antihypertensive drugs for at least 3 months. Their BP control was assessed. Their drug adherence was assessed using an 8-item MORISKY scale. Results: Study showed prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension to be 61.4%. Uncontrolled hypertension was more among older males (88.2%). Among uncontrolled hypertension, 54.1% were diabetic patients. Among diabetics, 24.7% had one other comorbidity, such as cerebrovascular disease and thyroid disorder. Among uncontrolled hypertension patients, 76.9% had low adherence and 23.1% had high adherence. Women had higher drug adherence than men. Furthermore, adherence was negatively correlated with the duration of hypertension.
Social Isolation and Depression among Elderly from an Indian Urban Slum Population
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Kumar, M; Ruikar, M; Surya, VL
Background: The aim of the study was to understand the reported prevalence of subjective, objective social isolation, marginal family, and marginal friendship ties in relation to each other. Furthermore, we assessed the association between social isolation and depression in the data. Methods: We present findingsfrom secondary analysis of data from a community?based analytical cross?sectionalstudy conducted to estimate the prevalence of depression among the elderly in an urban slum of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India between 2019 and 2020. The data were available for 400 participants and analyzed using Stata v16. Results: The prevalence of objective social isolation among elderly was 34.3%, with 14.8% having marginal family ties and 43.5% having marginal friendship ties. The prevalence of subjective social isolation was 27.0%. Subjective social isolation was positively correlated (r = 0.537; moderate correlation) with objective social isolation scores. Subjective social isolation, marginal family, and marginal friendship ties have 80.8%, 80.5%, and 88.3% agreement; 0.550, 0.499, and 0.755 Kappa measures of agreement, respectively, with objective social isolation total scores. Marginal friendship ties and objective social isolation had moderate interrater reliability with 57% coefficient of determination. In multivariable regression analysis, marginal friendship ties (adjusted odd’s ratio [AOR] 17.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–55.5) and objective social isolation (AOR 12.2, 95% CI 1.2–129.6) were significantly associated with depression in elderly. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to establish mechanisms that identify and predict social isolation in elderly; to eventually appreciate the natural history of depression in elderly.
Social Challenges for Older Adult Care at Homes: Policy Directive for India
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Jugal, Kishore; Sunanda, Gupta
India is facing the challenges of older adult care and active aging due to its rapidly aging population. The population is aging, and so are health, social, and economic concerns. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, the older population has been increasing in India over the years, which leads to rising health, social, and economic concerns. The “Elderly in India 2021” report identifies the fact that the older population has grown by more than 34 million between the periods of 2011–2021 and is expected to grow further in the coming decades, making it one of the rapidly expanding demographics in the country.[1] This growth brought in challenges such as rising dependency ratios, higher incidences of chronic diseases, and an elevated requirement for better healthcare and social security systems. With the older population in India growing at an estimated decadal rate of 41%, the proportion of older adults is expected to become more than double, reaching over 20% of the total population by the year 2050. According to the United Nations Population Fund’s 2023 India Ageing Report, by 2046, the older population is likely to surpass the number of children aged 0-15 years in the country, marking a significant demographic shift.[2] The old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of older people per 100 working-age individuals, increased from 10.9% in 1961 to 15.7% in 2021, showing the demographic change and underlining the requirement for strong welfare and health policies. It further mentions that 70% of older people are dependent on others for their daily living, with women being the most vulnerable because of their lower financial independence.[3] Consequently, policy matters for India should selectively address the issues and promote active aging, with the older continuing to be included in society and enjoying a good quality of life. This policy directive draws insights from relevant research to outline a comprehensive strategy for older adult care in India. It suggests measures that can be adopted to promote physical, mental, and social well-being among the older while addressing the challenges posed by family disintegration, health inequities, and the lack of societal support.
Learning from Regional Variations in Clinical Profile and Outcomes among Hospitalized Elderly COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study in South India
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) David, SC; John, BO; Sharon, JO; Subhashini, M; Haridoss, S
Background: While older adults are at greater risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality, the mortality rate among the elderly in India was lower than that reported in other countries, warranting further investigation into age?specific clinical characteristics and outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction -confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted between July 2020 and March 2021 using data extracted from case records and the hospital COVID-19 registry. Patients were classified into two age groups: elderly (?60 years) and younger (<60 years). Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression were used to compare clinical features and predictors of mortality. Results: Among 7256 patients, 20% were aged 60 years or older. While almost one in two elderly patients were asymptomatic, among the rest, one in three experienced respiratory distress; the mortality rate was five times higher than in younger cohorts; and neither diabetes nor hypertension was independently associated with mortality. The in-hospital mortality rate in the elderly was 10.8%, five times higher than in younger patients (2.3%). Respiratory distress was the only symptom independently associated with death (oddsratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval 2.3–11.1).Among those with baseline lab data (n = 570), common abnormalities included hypoalbuminemia (88%), anemia (70%), high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (62.9%), hyperglycemia (62.4%), hyperkalemia (48.4%), and elevated blood urea nitrogen (45.4%). Conclusion: Elderly COVID?19 patients in India exhibit a distinct clinical profile. These findings support the need for age and region-sensitive care strategies during health emergencies.
Is Personality the Key Factor in Becoming a SuperAger?
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Batra, R; Kumar, DA; Kaloiya, GS; Khan, MA; Satapathy, S; Chakrawarty, A; Upadhyay, AD; Chatterjee, P
Background: This study investigates the personality of SuperAgers (SAs). Fifty?five older adults were assessed using Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT), Wechsler adult intelligence scale- Fourth Edition India (WAIS IV), Color trails test (CTT), and Boston naming test (BNT) and categorized as SAs or typical older adults (TOAs). Their personality profiles were compared using NEO?PI?3, alongside 50 participants aged 25–50 years. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed 105 participants. Informed consent was obtained from all individuals. Personality traits were evaluated using NEO-PI-3 across three groups. The Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30) was used to assess depression. Results: SA excelled in all personality domains compared to TOA. Significant differences were noted in neuroticism (SA = 49.08 ± 6.93; TOA = 52.03 ± 7.24) and agreeableness (SA = 45.95 ± 8.82; TOA = 41.90 ± 8.33) (P < 0.001). GDS-30 scores revealed SA as normal (1.96 ± 2.82), while TOA scored in mild range (11.58 ± 3.30) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights SAs’ superior performance across personality domains and lower depressive symptoms compared to TOA. These findings highlight key distinctions, demonstrating cognitive resilience in aging.
Pain Management in Indian Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Vyas, VA
Pain represents a significant health challenge among the geriatric population in India, affecting approximately one?third of elderly Indians. The rapidly increasing elderly demographic combined with limited specialized pain management services creates a substantial healthcare burden in the Indian context. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from published literature on pain prevalence, assessment methodologies, and management strategies specifically relating to elderly Indians. A systematic search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Indian medical journals was conducted to identify relevant studies, with particular emphasis on Indian research within the past decade. Epidemiological data reveal that 36.6% of older adults in India report being troubled by pain, with 25.2% experiencing pain that limits usual activities. Pain prevalence demonstrates significant associations with female gender, advanced age, lower education levels, rural residence, and lower socioeconomic status. Assessment challenges include cultural factors affecting pain expression and limited validation of assessment tools for Indian populations. Both pharmacological approaches (requiring careful consideration of age?related pharmacokinetic changes) and nonpharmacological interventions show efficacy when appropriately implemented. Effective pain management for elderly Indians requires comprehensive assessment, cautious pharmacological approaches, integration of evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions, and consideration of cultural factors within healthcare delivery models. Significant research gaps exist regarding India?specific pain assessment tools and the implementation of interdisciplinary pain management models within Indian healthcare systems.
Medication Adherence, Self-efficacy, and Attitude toward the Management of Coronary Artery Disease among Elderly with Coronary Artery Disease
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Prakash, DD; Lucas, A; Jayaraman, S; George, OK; Gowri, M
Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the fourth most common chronic illness in the elderly. Despite advancements in the management of CAD, medication therapy remains the supreme mode of treatment. Methods: The study aimed to assess medication adherence, self?efficacy, and attitude toward the management of CAD in 380 older adults.Adherence Scale in Chronic Disease Scale, Sullivan’s Cardiac Self?efficacy Scale, and a self?constructed attitude scale were used to assess medication adherence, cardiac self?efficacy, and attitude toward the management of CAD. Results: The majority (49.21%) reported medium medication adherence. The self?efficacy mean score was 49.56 ± 9.07. More than half, 53.16% had an unfavorable attitude toward the management of CAD. A positive correlation was established between medication adherence and cardiac self?efficacy, medication adherence and attitude, and cardiac self?efficacy and attitude with ? = 0.3801, P ? 0.0001; ? = 0.4562, P ? 0.0001; and r=0.3411, P? 0.0001,respectively.Discussion:The currentstudy findingswere aligned to the findings of a clinicalresearch study among 221 patients which revealed that 49.8% had a medium level of adherence, whereas 26.7% had high adherence and 23.5% had low level of adherence on using the Adherence in Chronic Disease Scale. This study indicates the need for nurses and other healthcare providers to assess medication adherence, self?efficacy, and attitude ofthe patients periodically, asitwill help themto identify the patients atrisk and plan interventions appropriately.Conclusion: Older adults with CAD are at a risk of developing life-threatening complications due to various influencing factors. Therefore, healthcare workers should collaborate to pave the ground for ensuring higher medication adherence and improving the general health of older adults.
Smart Aging: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Elderly Health Care and Independence
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Garg, R
The rapidly aging global population presents significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. This review explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing the complex healthcare needs of the elderly. AI applications in elderly health care span various domains, including diagnostics and disease prediction, personalized treatment planning, remote monitoring, cognitive assistance, fall prevention, and medication management. The integration of AI technologies offers numerous benefits, such as improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced personalization of care, continuous health monitoring, and support for independent living. However, the implementation of AI in elderly health care also faces challenges related to data privacy, ethical considerations, technology adoption, and regulatory frameworks. Future directions in this field include advancements in natural language processing, multi?modal data integration, and the development of explainable AI systems. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for older adults is substantial. This review underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, technologists, policymakers, and elderly individuals to fully realize the benefits of AI in elderly health care when addressing associated challenges
Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations in Geriatric Age: A Scoping Review
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Swain, SK
Life expectancy has been improving gradually over the past decade. This is an important attribution to the current lifestyle pattern and health care delivery. Increased elderly population leads to frequent consultations in geriatric clinics for otorhinolaryngological manifestations. The longer life expectancy is relevant to the decreased rate of infectious diseases due to better hygiene, appropriate use of antibiotics, and vaccination. The review article aims to review the otorhinolaryngological manifestations in geriatric age. This narrative review employed a systematic approach to gather relevant literature from PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were chosen according to their focus on otorhinolaryngological manifestations in geriatric age. The review synthesized findings from these sources to identify clinical issues related to otorhinolaryngology in the geriatric age group. The common otorhinolaryngological disorders in elderly age include hearing loss, diseases of the external ear, eustachian tube disorder/nonsuppurative otitis media, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, sinonasal mucormycosis, and head-and-neck malignancies. Many times, the otolaryngological manifestations in geriatric group are neglected in society. Otorhinolaryngological conditions such as auditory, vestibular, olfactory dysfunctions, and malignancies in head-and-neck region contribute to lowering the quality of life in geriatric age group. An awareness of these pathological conditions in geriatric population is important for providing optimal care to this subset of the population.
Hypercalcemic Encephalopathy due to Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma in an Elderly Woman
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Sharma, P; Gupta, M; Rathod, A; Kaur, P; Khanna, S
Hypercalcemia leads to serious neurological manifestations due to the modulation of neurotransmitters by high calcium levels. Hypercalcemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism attributable to an ectopic parathyroid adenoma is a rare clinical entity. The exact localization of the ectopic lesion can be challenging for clinicians, requiring a multimodal approach. An elderly female presented to our emergency department in an irritable state, followed by altered consciousness. The serum calcium, phosphorus, and serum intact parathormone levels were >14 mg/dL, 2.3 mg/dL, and 428 pg/mL, respectively. After a series of investigations, technetium-99m sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy clinched the diagnosis of a MIBI-avid lesion, a 19 mm × 14 mm × 23 mm parathyroid adenoma at the T2–T3 vertebral level, anteromedial to the left common carotid artery. The high calcium levels were initially managed with aggressive fluid resuscitation with intravenous normal saline. This was followed by complete excision of the parathyroid adenoma. Our case report highlights the importance of an early identification of potentially reversible etiologies of hypercalcemia and elucidates an approach to physicians regarding hypercalcemic encephalopathy.
Chronic Constipation in the Elderly
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Puri, Raghavender; Puri, Rajesh
Decoding Survival in Elderly Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Prognostic Interplay of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Ejection Fraction, and Renal Function – An Observational Study
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-06) Prajapati, R; Kapoor, A; Mukhopadhyay, S; Tandon, A; Ghosh, S; Shankar, O.
Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a well-established biomarker of myocardial stress and heart failure, yet its role in predicting short-term survival in elderly acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, particularly in relation to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and renal function, remains underexplored. This study evaluates the correlation between plasma BNP levels, LVEF, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their prognostic significance in geriatric AMI patients managed conservatively. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India over 2 years (January 2022–December 2023). Patients aged ? 60 years with AMI were included in this study, while those with preexisting end?stage renal disease, significant valvular heart disease, or those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting were excluded from the study. BNP levels were measured within 48 h of symptom onset. LVEF was assessed through echocardiography, and renal function was estimated using the modification of diet in renal disease formula. Statistical analysisincluded Pearson’s correlation, Student’st-test, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate associations between BNP, LVEF, eGFR, and mortality. Results: Among 369 patients (mean age: 69 ± 8.2 years; 61% male), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was the predominant diagnosis (74%). The mean LVEF was 47.1%, mean eGFR was 65.2 mL/ min/1.73 m2 , and median BNP was 1021.6 pg/mL. Patients who succumbed to myocardial infarction (15% mortality rate) had significantly lower eGFR (47.07 vs. 64.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 , P = 0.005) and LVEF (41.31% vs. 47.36%, P = 0.01), while BNP levels were markedly higher in nonsurvivors (1766.8 vs. 1002.7 pg/mL, P = 0.001). BNP demonstrated a moderate inverse correlation with both eGFR (r = ?0.68, P < 0.001) and LVEF (r = ?0.56, P = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed BNP, eGFR, and LVEF as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Elevated BNP, reduced LVEF, and impaired renal function are independent predictors of mortality in geriatric AMI patients. BNP levels strongly correlate with both cardiac and renal dysfunction, underscoring its role as a key biomarker in risk stratification. These findings emphasize the need for BNP evaluation in clinical decision?making for elderly AMI patients, particularly in resource-limited settings where immediate intervention may not always be feasible. Further large-scale, multi-center studies are warranted to refine risk assessment models and optimize management strategies in this high?risk population.
Knowledge of Orthostatic Hypotension among Doctors Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Silva, S; De, Zoysa W; Ramadasa, U; Indrakumar, J.
Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is prevalent in older adults as well as in individuals with chronic medical conditions and those taking specific medications. Despite its significance, OH remains underdiagnosed and poorly managed, partly due to limited training and awareness among doctors. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of medical officers regarding OH at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 registered medical officers. Data were collected through a pretested, self?administered questionnaire addressing demographic details, knowledge of OH diagnostic protocols, symptoms, and management strategies. Results: There were 200 medical officers, 22% of whom were consultants. The mean participant age was 48.2 years, with 58% being male. Knowledge of systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes was significantly higher among consultants (63.63% and 79.54%, respectively) (P < 0.01) compared to medical officers (35.25% and 38.46%, respectively) (P < 0.01). However, knowledge of proper OH measurement protocols, including the timing of blood pressure readings, was poor in both groups, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Awareness of common OH symptoms such as dizziness and falls was high, but less common symptoms (e.g. weakness and fatigue) were poorly recognized. Knowledge of pharmacological treatment options was insufficient in both groups. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for enhanced training and education on OH in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding diagnostic protocols, symptom recognition, and management strategies. Incorporating these could bridge the knowledge gap and improve patient outcomes, reducing the risk of falls and associated morbidities in older adults.
Unraveling the Interplay between Frailty, Sarcopenia, and Socioeconomic Factors in Indian Elderly: Findings from a Tertiary Care Hospital
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Roy, K; Ghosh, S; Samajdar, SS; Dey, SK; Mukherjee, S
Introduction: Frailty and sarcopenia are prevalent syndromes among the elderly, significantly affecting health outcomes and quality of life. As major public health concerns, these conditions are associated with adverse outcomes, including falls, fractures, hospitalization, and increased mortality. This study investigates the prevalence of frailty and sarcopenia in the geriatric population and explores their correlation with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 180 geriatric patients. Data were collected through structured interviews and physical assessments, focusing on demographic details, medical history, and socioeconomic status. Frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype criteria, and sarcopenia was evaluated according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People guidelines. Statistical analyses included t-tests and z?tests, with significance set at P ? 0.05. Results: The prevalence of frailty was observed in 41.7% of participants, while 44.4% demonstrated signs of sarcopenia. The majority of participants were male (55.6%) and aged 60–70 years (72.2%). A significant association was found between frailty, sarcopenia, and chronic conditions such as hypertension (25.6%) and diabetes (18.9%), with 22.2% of participants suffering from both. Lifestyle factors revealed a predominantly nonvegetarian diet (95%) and a smoking prevalence of 17.2%. Socioeconomic factors, particularly occupation and gender, played a critical role in health outcomes, with a high proportion of female homemakers (33.3%) and retired individuals (30%). Conclusions: The study underscores the substantial impact of frailty and sarcopenia on the geriatric population, highlighting the necessity for integrated healthcare strategies focusing on early detection and management. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and implementing lifestyle modifications are crucial for improving geriatric health outcomes. Future research should explore the biological mechanisms underlying these conditions and develop targeted interventions.
Geriatric Population’s Awareness and Attitudes toward Edentulism and Rehabilitation - Influencing Factors and Their Interrelationships: A Cross-sectional Study
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Redkar, G; Rungta, A
Introduction: This cross-sectional study examines the awareness and attitudes of India’s geriatric population toward edentulism and prosthetic rehabilitation. Conducted from June to August 2024 across diverse regions, 199 participants aged over 60 years were surveyed using a selfadministered questionnaire. Results showed that 88.9% recognized the importance of tooth replacement, with most favoring removable prostheses for cost reasons. The main barriers were financial constraints (38.7%), fear (26.1%), and lack of information (15.6%). Notably, 83.4% expressed interest in learning more about prosthetic options. The study emphasizes the need for improved oral health education and accessibility to dental care for India’s elderly population. Aims and Objectives: To assess awareness and attitudes toward prosthetic rehabilitation in the geriatric population across various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds in India and correlate them with contributing factors. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire, pilot-tested and revised, was distributed to 199 participants. It assessed awareness, attitudes toward dental prosthetics, and barriers to treatment. Data were collected on sociodemographic details and analyzed statistically. Results: About 88.9% believed tooth replacement was important, but awareness of fixed prostheses and implants was low. Removable prostheses were preferred due to cost, with financial constraints (38.7%) being the largest barrier. Conclusions: Although awareness of prosthetic treatments is growing, financial and informational barriers limit access. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve oral health education and service accessibility.
Obesity and its Determinants among Indian Elderly Women: Evidence from Community-based Study
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Varadappa, ST; Kathali, S; Rajesh, L
Introduction: The trend of obesity is increasing in all age groups, especially among elderly women owing to the interplay of aging and lifestyle factors leading to poor quality of life. Obesity among elderly women will be a serious public health concern in the near future because of their sheer number with longer life expectancy. In spite of its significance, there is a dearth of studies on obesity involving solely elderly women in India. Materials and Methods: A community?based study was undertaken in an urban field practice area of a medical college by involving 510 elderly women aged ?60 years using the Probability?Proportion?to?Size technique. Data on sociopersonal characteristics and lifestyle factors (dietary and physical exercise practices) were collected, and height, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were recorded by visiting household. Results: The prevalence of generalized and abdominal obesity was 77.3% and 80.6%, respectively. Generalized obesity was associated with age, religion, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, number of meals, plain water intake, and physical exercise (P < 0.001), whereas abdominal obesity was associated with religion, occupation, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, number of meals, type of diet, and physical exercise (P < 0.001). Conclusions: More than two-thirds of the elderly women were having generalized and abdominal obesity. Many of the sociopersonal and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with generalized and abdominal obesity which calls for similar research in the future and to develop culturally appropriate interventions.
Giant Cell Arteritis: A Rare Cause of Thunderclap Headache in the Elderly
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Agrawal, G; Bhartiya, M; Wilson, V; Mukherjee, A; Singh, V
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medium?to?large?vessel vasculitis affecting both intracranial and extracranial vessels. It generally presents with constitutional symptoms, headache, jaw claudication, and vision loss. Presentation as thunderclap headache is unusual. We present an unusual case of thunderclap headache in a middle-aged individual who was eventually diagnosed with GCA. The patient was diagnosed with a case of GCA based on clinical findings and temporal artery biopsy with a good response to treatment. GCA should be considered differential of thunderclap headache with normal imaging and cerebrospinal fluid findings.
A Retrospective Observational Study of the Association of Severity of Hyponatremia with Morbidity Outcomes in Patients Admitted to Geriatric Ward in a Tertiary Care Hospital
(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Umakalyani, K; Thangam, D; Deepa, S.
Introduction: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality observed among older patients admitted to the geriatric ward. Whether the severity of hyponatremia independently contributes to morbidity and mortality is not known. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to determine the morbidity outcomes in hyponatremia and whether the severity of hyponatremia independently contributes to morbidity outcomes in patients with multimorbidity. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective observational study conducted in geriatric medicine ward in a tertiary care hospital. Results: There was no independent correlation with the severity of hyponatremia and morbidity outcomes seen in our study. Across all severity categories of hyponatremia, nearly 75% were discharged alive. In both categories of comorbidities (i.e., less than and more than 3), more than 80% were discharged. Both in linear and logistical regression analysis, severity of hyponatremia and comorbidity status were not significantly found to affect the outcome independently. Conclusion: There was no significant association between Severity of Hyponatremia and comorbidiy status with the morbidity outcomes.

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