Chronicles of geriatric nephrology: historical evolution and contemporary advances

Julio A. Díaz-Ramos, Geriatrics Service, Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara; Gerontology Program, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá. Jalisco; México
Jorge I. Fonseca-Correa, Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
Jonathan S. Chávez-Iñiguez, Nephrology Service, Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
Alma L. Guzmán-Gurrola, Clinical Nutrition Service. Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara; Nutrition Program, Centro Universitario de Tlajomulco, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tlajomulco; Jalisco, México
Montserrat Martínez-Vega, Private Consultation, Guadalajara. Jalisco, Mexico
Carlos G. Musso, Nephrology Service, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background: The aging global population underscores the need for specialized nephrology care in older persons (OP). Rising life expectancy and comorbidities increase renal disease prevalence, demanding tailored strategies to address these needs. Objective: To present a historical narrative of geriatric nephrology, emphasizing major advancements from the 1980s to the present, particularly within the framework of the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Aging and the regional context of Mexico and Latin America. Material and methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses-ScR guidelines. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using terms related to geriatric nephrology and renal aging. Studies were selected based on clinical, educational, or policy relevance, with attention to Mexico and Latin America. Results: Geriatric nephrology has evolved significantly over four decades, shifting toward a more nuanced, patient-centered approach. Key milestones include the integration of geriatric principles, the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment, and multidisciplinary care models. Regional efforts in Mexico and Latin America reflect substantial progress despite systemic barriers and align with the broader goals of the Decade of Healthy Aging. Conclusion: Continued research and cooperation are essential to improve outcomes and quality of life for OP with kidney disease.

Keywords: Geriatric nephrology. Renal diseases. Aging population. Mexico. Latin America. Decade of healthy aging.