Geriatric medicine focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, addressing complex conditions that often arise as we age. This field goes beyond treating single diseases to manage the whole person, considering how multiple chronic issues, medication interactions, and physical changes affect quality of life. By prioritizing functional ability and dignity, researchers in this space aim to help people live healthier, more independent lives for as long as possible.

Gist.Science makes the latest findings in this vital area accessible by processing every new preprint from medRxiv in this category. We transform these raw scientific reports into both plain-language overviews for general readers and detailed technical summaries for specialists, ensuring no one is left behind by complex jargon. Below are the latest papers in geriatric medicine, updated regularly as new research becomes available on medRxiv.

📄 geriatric medicine

Assessing medication-related burden and medication adherence among older patients from Central Nepal: A machine learning approach

This study utilizes a machine learning approach to analyze medication-related burden and adherence among older patients in Central Nepal, identifying polypharmacy and the need for assistance as key drivers while advocating for targeted clinical interventions like deprescribing.

Giri, R., Agrawal, R., Lamichhane, S. R., Barma, S., Mahatara, R.2026-04-23
📄 geriatric medicine

Herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA is less prevalent in persons with Alzheimers disease and genetic factors modify the effect

This study analyzes whole-genome sequencing data to reveal that HSV-1 DNA is less prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer's disease overall, but its association with disease risk is modified by host genetics, specifically showing reduced risk in non-APOE ε4 carriers and increased risk in ε4 carriers.

Tejeda, M., Farrell, J., Zhu, C., Wetzler, L., Lunetta, K. L., Bush, W. S., Martin, E. R., Wang, L.-S., Schellenberg, G. (…)2026-04-18
📄 geriatric medicine

Pre-Dementia Indicators and Multidomain Vulnerabilities: Insights from AD8 Screening in Older Chinese Speaking Adults

This study demonstrates that specific AD8 screening items related to judgment, repetition, financial management, tool use, and memory serve as early, multidimensional indicators of physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities among community-dwelling Chinese-speaking older adults, highlighting the tool's value beyond dementia diagnosis for culturally tailored holistic care.

You, W., Koo, F. K., Cheng, Y., Huang, J., Huang, H., Li, M., Sevastidis, J., Chang, H.-C.2026-04-13
📄 geriatric medicine

Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies of Prevalence and Incidence of Aging-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Russia

This systematic review of 20 population-based studies in Russia reveals highly variable prevalence estimates for dementia and Parkinson's disease among adults aged 50 and older, largely driven by differences in diagnostic methods and study designs, while highlighting a critical need for standardized, longitudinal research to inform public health planning.

Okhotion, A., Gorbunova, I., Bolshakov, A.2026-04-06
📄 geriatric medicine

From survival to empowerment: A PLS-SEM analysis of residential aging-suitability for empty-nest seniors in urban China

This study utilizes PLS-SEM analysis of 753 urban Chinese empty-nest seniors to validate a multidimensional Aging-Suitability Index, revealing that while safety and physical design form the essential survival foundation, accessibility primarily drives empowerment through perceived independence, thereby guiding prioritized interventions for aging-in-place.

Liu, X., Peng, Y., Li, H., Xing, Y.2026-03-26
📄 geriatric medicine

Interest in and feasibility of a dementia prevention program among community-dwelling older adults: a questionnaire survey

This questionnaire survey of nearly 10,000 Japanese older adults reveals that while there is moderate interest in dementia prevention programs—particularly those offering short, 10-minute activities—awareness remains low and individuals with frailty or subjective cognitive decline are less likely to engage, highlighting the need for proactive outreach strategies to bridge the evidence-practice gap.

Kouzuki, M., Tazumi, H., Nakada, N.2026-03-24
📄 geriatric medicine

REPROGRAM: REsilience PROmotion with GeRoprotectors: AssessMent of biological effect. Rationale and protocol for a trial of biological effect.

The REPROGRAM trial is a randomized study designed to assess whether a three-week course of the geroprotectors Metformin, Fisetin, or Spermidin can reduce senescent cells and reverse other hallmarks of ageing in 60 healthy adults aged 70 and older.

Wilson, D., Acharjee, A., Duggal, N. A., Hombrebueno, J. R., Jones, S. W., Lewis, J. W., de Magalhaes, J. P., Martinez-S (…)2026-03-23
📄 geriatric medicine

Development of a Multi-Trait Polygenic Score for Intrinsic Capacity

This study developed and validated a multi-trait polygenic score for intrinsic capacity using data from over 13,000 Canadian participants, demonstrating that a model integrating genetic predictors across five domains effectively captures the multisystem biological basis of healthy aging and is significantly associated with reduced mortality.

Beyene, M. B., Visvanathan, R., Alemu, R., Sharew, N. T., Theou, O., Benyamin, B., Cesari, M., Beard, J., Amare, A. T. (…)2026-02-27