A. O. Manolova, O. A. Nedogreeva, D. I. Mamedova, P. A. Kostrukov, P. V. Gusev, N. V. Gulyaeva, M. Yu. Stepanichev
{"title":"The Relationship between Anxiety, Depression-Like Behavior, and Arterial Pressure: A Comparative Study in 13-Month-Old Wistar, WKY, and SHR Rats","authors":"A. O. Manolova, O. A. Nedogreeva, D. I. Mamedova, P. A. Kostrukov, P. V. Gusev, N. V. Gulyaeva, M. Yu. Stepanichev","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600296","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600296","url":null,"abstract":"<p>It is known that hypertension may be associated with some mental disorders and cognitive impairment. The complex relationship between anxiety and hypertension results in significant inconsistency among clinical data. In this study, we investigate the relationships between hypertension, anxiety, and depression in 13-month-old male rats of three genetically related normotensive Wistar and WKY and hypertensive SHR strains. We estimate arterial pressure (AP) and behavioral indicators using the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and sucrose preference test. Higher locomotor and exploratory activity and lower anxiety are observed in the SHR rats in comparison with the normotensive Wistar- and WKY-strain rats. Correlation analysis does not reveal any relations between the indicators of anxiety in the OFT and EPM and AP values either in outbred Wistar or SHR rats. In WKY rats, moderate correlations are found between the AP value and the number of grooming episodes and entries into the center arena in the OFT. Thus, no relationships are revealed between the AP values and the indicators of anxiety and depression-like behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"91 - 103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. A. Andrade-Trujillo, K. M. Yanza-Allauca, J. S. Párraga-Acosta, S. A. Palacios-Pérez, N. R. Maddela, D. L. Abril-Merizalde
{"title":"Influence of Diet Quality on Biopsychosocial Risk Factors in the Elders: A Cross-Sectional Study from Ecuador","authors":"C. A. Andrade-Trujillo, K. M. Yanza-Allauca, J. S. Párraga-Acosta, S. A. Palacios-Pérez, N. R. Maddela, D. L. Abril-Merizalde","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600314","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600314","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This research was a non-experimental retrospective cross-sectional study, where the existing influence between the quality of the diet and the biopsychosocial risk factors of adults were determined. Investigation was carried out with a population sample of 696 older adults, with an age older than 60 years. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out considering the following variables: intake of all food groups, general diagnosis of the quality of the diet, economic and social support (are the variables used in the biopsychosocial factors), dependence of the older adults and the presence of diseases. Results showed that there was an influence between the presence of diseases and the diet quality of older adults. Therefore, as there is a greater presence of diseases in the elderly, attributed to changes in their diet quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"191 - 200"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modelling of Elderly People with Dementia and Caregivers in Malaysia: A Qualitative Approach","authors":"M. Z. Hamzah, R. Ismail, N. A. Sanusi","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600491","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600491","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Older adults are frequent consumers of health care services. However, reports have indicated that breakdowns in communication during provider–patient interactions may contribute to poor health outcomes in this population. The purpose of this study is to identify the pragmatic characteristics of elderly people with dementia (WED) and analyze the existing pragmatic approaches that have been used by caregivers in their daily interactions with them. A total of 40 informants, who care for elderly people with dementia, participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The study used Atlas.ti software to analyze qualitative data. The results indicated that 39 nodes of references and data sources (transcripts) are pertinent within the hierarchy. All four informant groups referenced the difficulties both directly and indirectly. The research identified four primary factors: (1) the interactive behavior of elderly dementia patients during moments of happiness or excitement, (2) the challenges associated with understanding interactions involving these patients, caregivers, or others, (3) the responses of elderly dementia patients when prompted, and (4) the ways in which these factors facilitate communication. The study indicates that WED caregivers utilize emotions, touch, and patient names. The psychological technique is said to either calm or excite the WED prior to involvement. This multimodal approach improves patient care and caregiver relationships. Caregivers can enhance therapy engagement by addressing WED needs and responses. Ensuring continuity of care and enhancing caregiver-dementia relationships necessitates a comprehension of WED relationships along with the suggested intervention and support domains. Conversely, it may impede communication and the development of relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"114 - 129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Q. Khan, M. S. Khalid, T. Bibi, M. J. H. Sharif, M. Ashfaq
{"title":"The Burden of Polypharmacy and PIMs Use in the Elderly Pakistani Patients: Findings from Cross-Sectional Study in Tertiary Care Hospitals","authors":"Q. Khan, M. S. Khalid, T. Bibi, M. J. H. Sharif, M. Ashfaq","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600466","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600466","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Background: Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are major issues in the elderly regarding adverse drug events and poor health outcomes. This study determines the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIMs in older adults in Pakistan using the Beers Criteria 2023. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2023 to April 2024 on 653 geriatric patients (≥65 years) admitted to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, and Jinnah International Hospital, Abbottabad. The definition of polypharmacy is the use of ≥5 medications simultaneously, and PIMs were assessed using the Beers Criteria 2023. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results: Among the study population, 63.9% were found to have polypharmacy, and 87.6% were given at least one PIM. The most commonly prescribed PIMs include omeprazole (16.4%), enoxaparin (13.2%), and furosemide (9.3%). Category A PIMs (medications that should be avoided in older adults) constitute 34.5% of all PIMs. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (<i>p</i> = 0.007) and acute coronary syndrome (<i>p</i> = 0.049). Similarly, PIMs use were significantly higher among patients with diabetes mellitus (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and acute coronary syndrome (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Conclusion: The study showed that polypharmacy and PIMs use are highly prevalent in elderly Pakistani patients, and it considerably points toward the need for medication reviews and deprescribing strategies to improve medication safety. Implementing Beers Criteria-based prescribing guidelines and enhancing awareness among healthcare providers, particularly clinical pharmacists, could help optimize medication use and improve outcomes in geriatric care.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"104 - 113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Visual Impairment and Handgrip Strength in Aging: Evidence from Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization","authors":"Sh. Ran, Y. Peng, S. Wang, Y. Li, B. Liu","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600430","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600430","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Observational studies link handgrip strength (HGS, a key sarcopenia sign) and visual impairment (VI), but their causality is unknown. We used bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR)—a genetic method to test causality—to explore if VI affects HGS, and if body mass index (BMI) plays a role. We used genetic data from large groups: FinnGen (218 792 people, VI), UK Biobank (461 089 people, HGS), and EBI/MRC-IEU (532 396 people, BMI). We focused on age-related VI (cataract, glaucoma, high eye pressure), used genetic markers linked to these traits to test causality, and did additional MR to check VI’s direct effect on HGS and BMI’s potential role as a middle factor. MR showed more severe VI tied to lower HGS: genetic predisposition to cataract reduced normal HGS chance by 48% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.97, <i>P</i> = 0.04); genetic glaucoma susceptibility linked to a small but reliable HGS reduction (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.991–0.998, <i>P</i> < 0.001)—small per person but meaningful for older adults due to glaucoma’s high prevalence. Further analyses confirmed glaucoma’s direct harm to HGS. BMI had a weak mediating role: it explained 11% of cataract’s effect and 44% of glaucoma’s effect, but its actual impact was very small. These confirm age-related VI is a modifiable risk factor for older adults’ functional decline. Age-related VI—especially cataract and glaucoma—causes lower HGS. Vision assessment should be part of geriatric care to prevent sarcopenia and frailty, key to older adults’ health.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"163 - 177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. A. Storozhenko, S. S. Kulikov, U. A. Mikheeva, T. A. Mishchenko, M. V. Vedunova, A. A. Moskalev, O. N. Usoltceva
{"title":"Fungal Melanin as a Potential Geroprotector: First In Vitro Insights","authors":"A. A. Storozhenko, S. S. Kulikov, U. A. Mikheeva, T. A. Mishchenko, M. V. Vedunova, A. A. Moskalev, O. N. Usoltceva","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600417","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600417","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Natural compounds possess significant potential for pharmacological applications. This study investigates melanin derived from birch heartwood polymerized with the mycelium of fungus <i>Fomes fomentarius</i> and its fruiting body, for its potential geroprotective properties. The cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of the studied compound, Amelan, were evaluated using the immortalized human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cell lines through the MTT assay and cell counting with a Goryaev chamber. To assess the geroprotective properties of the compound, an accelerated aging model was induced with D-galactose in primary human dermal fibroblast cultures. Senescent cell populations were identified through cytochemical staining for senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). Amelan exhibited a dose-dependent geroprotective effect, significantly reducing senescent cell populations at optimal concentrations. Importantly, the compound did not stimulate proliferation in either immortalized BJ-5ta fibroblasts or MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, suggesting no oncogenic activation potential. In light of the demonstrated geroprotective effects of Amelan, its concentration-dependent efficacy underscores the importance of dosage optimization to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential as a candidate for anti-aging therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"147 - 155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O. S. Kozhevnikova, D. V. Telegina, N. G. Kolosova
{"title":"Transcriptional Responses of Autophagy-Related Genes in the Rat Liver to Fasting and Chloroquine Treatment","authors":"O. S. Kozhevnikova, D. V. Telegina, N. G. Kolosova","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600338","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600338","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Autophagy is a dynamic process of delivery of non-functional cytoplasmic components into lysosomes for subsequent degradation, serving to renew cellular contents and utilize protein aggregates and organelles. This process is necessary to maintain cell metabolism under conditions of energy and nutrient deficiency. The pathogenesis of aging-associated diseases is associated with disturbances in the autophagy process. In the liver of senescent-accelerated OXYS rats and Wistar rats (control) at the age of 4 and 16 months, the transcriptional activity of key genes of the autophagy process was studied during its induction by fasting (12, 24 and 48 h) and inhibition by chloroquine. At the age of 4 months, modulation of autophagy in the liver of rats revealed changes in the mRNA level of the <i>Atg7</i>, <i>Gabarapl1</i>, <i>Nbr1</i> and p62/<i>Sqstm1</i> genes. At the age of 16 months, in response to food deprivation, the mRNA level of the <i>Atg7</i>, <i>Map1lc3b</i>, <i>Gabarapl1</i> and <i>Nbr1</i> genes increased, and the dynamics of changes in their expression depended on the genotype of the animals. Interstrain differences were revealed in the mRNA levels of <i>Atg7</i> at 4 months and <i>Gabarapl1</i> at 16 months during administration of chloroquine, which neutralized the effects of fasting. Our study is the first to demonstrate the effect of chloroquine on the transcriptional activity of autophagy-associated genes in rat liver. The effects of chloroquine (a late-stage autophagy blocker) on autophagy-related gene expression were age- and genotype-dependent, providing direct evidence of altered autophagic flux in the liver with aging. The observed strain-specific differences in autophagy-related gene expression in response to modulation suggest variations in the baseline state and reactivity of hepatic autophagy between OXYS and Wistar rats. These differences may contribute to the accelerated aging phenotype in OXYS rats. Given the established connection between metabolic homeostasis and aging pathologies, we hypothesize that targeting autophagic flux could represent a strategy for regulating hepatic metabolism in age-related decline.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"130 - 137"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Defining Aging: Past, Present, and Possible Future","authors":"A. N. Khokhlov","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600697","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600697","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Various views on the “correct” definition of aging are analyzed. It is emphasized that a huge number of such definitions have emerged in recent decades, and several million scientific publications devoted to this topic can be found online. At the same time, most gerontologists based their definitions on the premise that aging (with various modifications) is a set of age-related changes in the body that lead to an increased probability of death. However, as numerous new data emerged in gerontological research, many specialists began to question the suitability of this “classical” definition. This was due, among other things, to the identified impact of long-term chronic diseases such as HIV or COVID-19 on age-related mortality dynamics, to the dramatic changes in recent decades in the understanding of cellular aging and the relationship between aging and various age-related diseases, as well as to the correct methodology for determining biological age. The apparent lack of progress in fundamental gerontology to date and the emergence of a large number of studies in which the presence/absence of aging in the studied organisms was in no way linked to the obtaining survival curves also played a significant role. The evolution of approaches to defining aging is discussed, as well as potential future modifications to this definition.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"201 - 206"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multidimensional Capital and Resilience in Later Life: Insights from Iranian Older Adults","authors":"M. Koosheshi, Sh. Parvaei, V. Rashedi","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600302","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600302","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable to physical, mental, and social health challenges, particularly during times of crisis. Understanding the factors that enhance their resilience is essential for developing supportive interventions. This study aimed to explore perceived contributors to resilience among Iranian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, using qualitative methods to capture the depth of lived experience. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 37 older adults. A purposive sampling strategy with maximum variation was employed to ensure a diverse range of participants, followed by theoretical sampling to achieve conceptual saturation. Thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data. The findings revealed that access to various forms of capital—economic, cultural, spiritual, and familial (filial support)—plays a pivotal role in strengthening resilience among older adults. These multidimensional resources go beyond material wealth, highlighting the significance of intangible assets such as cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and intergenerational support. Additionally, formal social support systems were identified as critical contributors to resilience. The presence or absence of these resources significantly shaped individuals’ capacity to cope with crises. Participants described access to economic, cultural, familial and spiritual resources, and formal social support, as contributors to their capacity to cope. These findings describe associations and lived experience; they are hypothesis-generating and do not establish causal relationships. Future quantitative or longitudinal research is required to test causal mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 3","pages":"178 - 190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Kubo, T. Hayashi, T. Yanagisawa, S. Onda, T. Nishida, M. Murakami, Y. Hasegawa, K. Noritake, A. Ochi
{"title":"Relationship between Tongue Pressure and Upper- and Lower-Body Muscle Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Y. Kubo, T. Hayashi, T. Yanagisawa, S. Onda, T. Nishida, M. Murakami, Y. Hasegawa, K. Noritake, A. Ochi","doi":"10.1134/S2079057025600521","DOIUrl":"10.1134/S2079057025600521","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A decline in oral function, including tongue pressure, decreases physical function and increases the risk of physical frailty and hospitalization as well as mortality. Although no underlying mechanism has been determined for the relationship between decreased tongue pressure and muscle strength, their association is clear. Herein, we aimed to determine whether upper- or lower-body muscle strength is more strongly associated with tongue pressure in older adults. This cross-sectional study included community residents aged ≥65 years. Tongue pressure and grip strength were measured as upper limb muscle strength; knee extension muscle strength was measured as lower limb muscle strength. In addition, muscle mass in the limbs and trunk was evaluated, and demographic data were collected. Bayesian statistics were used for analysis using a linear regression model. Data were analyzed for 51 men (mean age [standard deviation], 77.94 [5.40] years) and 117 women (mean age [standard deviation], 77.28 [5.44] years). Tongue pressure in community-dwelling older adults with good physical function was strongly related to upper-body muscle strength in men (expected a posteriori = 0.51; 95% Bayesian credible interval: 0.19–0.84) and with lower-body muscle strength in women (expected a posteriori = 0.33; 95% Bayesian credible interval: 0.10–0.56). In summary, tongue pressure in community-dwelling older adults was strongly related to upper-body muscle strength in men and lower-body muscle strength in women. These associations should be investigated longitudinally to develop strategies to prevent tongue-pressure reduction in community-dwelling older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":44756,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Gerontology","volume":"15 4","pages":"232 - 239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}