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Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology
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Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Geriatric Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 5954

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luís Midão

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. CINTESIS@RISE, Biochemistry Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3. Porto4Ageing—Competences Centre on Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: geriatrics; gerontology; frailty; polypharmacy; treatment adherence; mHealth

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ageing populations worldwide present unique challenges and opportunities in managing health and disease. This Special Issue, "Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology", seeks to advance our understanding of age-related conditions and their broader implications on public health and society. We welcome original research and reviews exploring the epidemiology of geriatric diseases, innovative management strategies, and preventive measures.

Particular emphasis will be placed on multidisciplinary approaches, including integrating clinical care and rehabilitation. Submissions addressing global perspectives, disparities in geriatric care, and the role of technology and personalized medicine in ageing populations are highly encouraged.

This Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for researchers and clinicians to share insights and contribute to the development of clinical practices that improve the quality of life and health outcomes for older adults.

Dr. Luís Midão
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ageing and health
  • older care
  • chronic diseases
  • preventive health strategies
  • multidisciplinary approaches
  • health inequalities
  • innovation in care
  • global ageing challenges
  • epidemiology of ageing
  • quality of life in older adults

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 916 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Chronic Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Function in Older People
by Simona-Dana Mitincu-Caramfil, Alina Plesea-Condratovici, Alexia Anastasia Stefania Balta, Valentin Bulza, Andrei-Vlad Bradeanu, Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu, Oana-Maria Isailă and Eduard Drima
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4595; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134595 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cognitive deficiency associated with chronic alcohol consumption in older people remains an under-investigated public health issue in Romania, particularly concerning rural–urban disparities and the impact of reversible hepatic dysfunction on cognitive performance. To evaluate cognitive function at hospital admission and discharge using [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cognitive deficiency associated with chronic alcohol consumption in older people remains an under-investigated public health issue in Romania, particularly concerning rural–urban disparities and the impact of reversible hepatic dysfunction on cognitive performance. To evaluate cognitive function at hospital admission and discharge using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); to identify rural–urban disparities; and to analyze the relationship between hepatic markers and MMSE scores in older people with chronic alcohol consumption. Methods: This retrospective, single-center observational study was conducted on 152 patients aged ≥55 years, hospitalized between January 2021 and December 2023 at the “Elisabeta Doamna” Psychiatric Hospital, Galați. Demographic variables, MMSE scores (at admission and discharge), and hepatic parameters (AST, ALT, GGT, total bilirubin, and ammonia) were collected. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, paired t-tests or ANOVA for MMSE scores, and Pearson correlations between MMSE and hepatic markers (α = 0.05). Results: At admission, 94% of patients had an MMSE score < 24. The mean MMSE score increased from 23.4 ± 4.1 to 25.0 ± 3.7 at discharge (Δ = +1.6; p < 0.001). Patients from rural areas (63.8% of the sample) had significantly lower MMSE scores at admission compared to urban patients (22.6 ± 3.9 vs. 24.8 ± 4.2; p = 0.02). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between rural and urban patients regarding cognitive improvement during hospitalization (p = 0.88), indicating that the initial gap persisted at discharge. GGT levels were inversely correlated with MMSE scores (r = −0.41; p < 0.001), suggesting a contribution of hepatic dysfunction to cognitive decline. Conclusions: Alcohol-related cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among older patients hospitalized for withdrawal, with partial reversibility observed through inpatient management. The observed rural disparities and the association between hepatic dysfunction and cognitive performance highlight the need of concurrent MMSE and hepatic screening, with prioritized interventions in rural settings. Prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and to identify additional prognostic biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology)
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13 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
Fear of Falling in Older Adults Undergoing Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Results of a Prospective Observational Study
by Marco Meyer, Andreas Arnold, Thomas Stein, Ulrich Niemöller and Christian Tanislav
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4366; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124366 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, progression, and clinical factors associated with fear of falling (FOF) in older adults hospitalized for comprehensive geriatric care (CGC). Methods: FOF was assessed using two measures: a single-item question (SIQ) asking, [...] Read more.
Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, progression, and clinical factors associated with fear of falling (FOF) in older adults hospitalized for comprehensive geriatric care (CGC). Methods: FOF was assessed using two measures: a single-item question (SIQ) asking, “Are you currently afraid of falling?” with responses scored as (0) not at all; (1) a little; (2) quite a bit; (3) very much, and the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). FES-I scores were categorized into low (FES-I 16–19), moderate (FES-I 20–27), and high (FES-I 28–64) concerns about falling. FOF scores were analyzed in relation to patients’ characteristics and functional performance. Results: A total of 103 patients were included in the final analysis (mean age: 81.9 years, 64.1% female). Upon hospital admission, 74.8% of patients reported FOF (SIQ ≥ 1), with no significant change at discharge (73.8%, p > 0.999). Patients’ FES-I scores indicated high concerns about falling, with only slight improvements following CGC. The median FES-I score upon admission decreased from 31 (IQR: 23.5–40) to 30 (IQR: 23.5–38) at discharge (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that persistently high concerns about falling (FES-I 28–64) after undergoing CGC were associated with depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥ 6; OR: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.30–10.04) and a diagnosis of heart failure (OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.30–10.11). Patients’ scores in the Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test, and Tinetti Test improved after treatment, but these changes (Δ) did not show a significant correlation with those in the FES-I or SIQ. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that FOF is highly prevalent among older adults hospitalized for CGC and persists with only minimal improvement following treatment. Persistently high concerns about falling even after completing CGC were associated with depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of heart failure. These results highlight the potential for more targeted interventions within CGC to more effectively address FOF in this vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology)
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11 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Population-Based Analysis of Vaccination Status and Post-Vaccination Adverse Events in Adults Aged 55 and Older
by Adrianna Frydrysiak-Brzozowska, Beata Haor, Agnieszka Pluta and Mariola Głowacka
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4297; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124297 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Older adults face increased vulnerability to infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal infections, and COVID-19. Vaccination remains a key public health strategy, yet coverage and adverse event data in this group are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Older adults face increased vulnerability to infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal infections, and COVID-19. Vaccination remains a key public health strategy, yet coverage and adverse event data in this group are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vaccination and the occurrence of post-vaccination adverse events among individuals aged 55 and older in Płock, Poland, with particular attention to gender and age differences. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and November 2022 among 2040 adults aged ≥ 55 years. Participants completed a structured questionnaire on vaccination history (past 3 years) and adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Cognitive eligibility was assessed using the MMSE (≥27). Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: COVID-19 vaccination was reported by 86.9% of participants, influenza vaccination by 45.5%, and pneumococcal vaccination by 15.1%. Women reported significantly more adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination compared to men (16.1% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001). A weak negative correlation was observed between age and number of vaccinations received (r = −0.088, p = 0.001), while age was positively correlated with adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination (r = 0.175, p < 0.001). Influenza vaccination was more common among men than women (50.7% vs. 43.4%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vaccination coverage among older adults in Płock was highest for COVID-19 but remained suboptimal for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Women reported adverse events more frequently than men. These findings highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies and gender-sensitive communication approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology)
19 pages, 1431 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Assessment of Depression, Activities of Daily Living and Associated Factors in Elderly Individuals Aged 65 Years and Older: Evidence from a Population-Based Study
by Mehmet Emin Arayici, Ali Kose, Suleyman Dolu, Sema Gultekin Arayici, Gizem Gedik, Beyza Nur Kilic and Ozum Erkin
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2853; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082853 - 21 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 865
Abstract
Background: It is a well-established fact that late-life depression represents a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid demographic aging. Although its clinical and societal impacts are well-recognized, data on the interplay between depressive symptoms and functional status [...] Read more.
Background: It is a well-established fact that late-life depression represents a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid demographic aging. Although its clinical and societal impacts are well-recognized, data on the interplay between depressive symptoms and functional status in older populations remain limited for Türkiye. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among individuals aged 65 years or older, examine its associations with instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and identify key sociodemographic and behavioral correlates. Methods: In this study, data obtained from a population-based survey in 2264 clusters by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) were used, and weighted data were yielded from 6,036,396 adults aged 65 and over. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), categorizing participants as “not depressed”, “mildly depressed”, or “severely depressed”. Functional status was evaluated using the Lawton–Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), were used to determine the associations of depression with functional impairment and various covariates, including gender, education, marital status, chronic disease, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use. Results: Overall, the prevalence of depression in this cohort was 49.9% [95% CI = 48.7–51%], with 36.0% [95% CI = 34.8–37.0%] classified as mild and 13.9% [95% CI = 13.1–14.7%] as severe depression. IADL and ADL scores were negatively correlated with GDS scores (r = −0.416 and r = −0.321, respectively; p < 0.001). In logistic models, lower IADL scores were linked to higher odds of mild (OR = 0.797, 95% CI = [0.796–0.798], p < 0.001) and severe depression (OR = 0.689, 95% CI = [0.688–0.690], p < 0.001). Being semi-dependent or dependent in ADL further escalated depression risk. Female gender, lower education, single/divorced status, chronic disease, and inactivity also emerged as strong predictors. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that depression is highly prevalent among older adults in Türkiye, with functional impairment, unfavorable health behaviors, and sociodemographic vulnerabilities heightening risk. Integrating depression screening into geriatric care—alongside interventions to maintain functional independence—may help mitigate the burden of late-life depression in similar contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology)
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24 pages, 2785 KiB  
Article
Polypharmacy Prevalence Among Older Adults Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe: An Update
by Elena Gatt Bonanno, Teodora Figueiredo, Inês Figueiroa Mimoso, Maria Inês Morgado, Joana Carrilho, Luís Midão and Elísio Costa
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041330 - 17 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3647
Abstract
Polypharmacy, a common condition among the older population, is associated with adverse outcomes, including higher mortality, falls and hospitalization rates, adverse drug reactions, drug–drug interactions, medication nonadherence, and consequently increased healthcare costs. Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore the prevalence of polypharmacy [...] Read more.
Polypharmacy, a common condition among the older population, is associated with adverse outcomes, including higher mortality, falls and hospitalization rates, adverse drug reactions, drug–drug interactions, medication nonadherence, and consequently increased healthcare costs. Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated factors among older adults across 27 European countries and Israel. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, we used data from participants aged 65 years or older from Wave 9 of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) database. The variables studied were classified into the following categories: sociodemographic, behavioral factors, physical functioning, physical health, mental health, and living conditions. Results: Our results showed an overall prevalence of polypharmacy of 36.2%, ranging from 25.0 to 51.8%. Slovenia, Greece, and Switzerland were the countries with the lowest prevalence, whereas Portugal, Israel, and Poland were the countries where the prevalence of polypharmacy was the highest. Polypharmacy was shown to be associated with variables from all categories. Conclusions: Polypharmacy is a highly prevalent condition in the older population. Identification of variables associated with polypharmacy, such as those identified in this study, is important to identify and monitor older groups, which are most vulnerable to polypharmacy. Interventions designed to reduce polypharmacy should consider these associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Diseases: Management and Epidemiology)
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