Age In India Research Articles

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with double burden of malnutrition among children under 5: a cross-sectional analysis of NFHS-4 data in India

BackgroundThe double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. India, being one of...

Beyond the biological prime: Deciphering the link between child survival and maternal age in India

This paper investigates the impact of maternal age at birth on child mortality in India, the world's most populous country burdened with significant neonatal and infant mortality. Utilizing data from the latest National Family Health Surveys, covering around 1 million children, our analysis incorporates models with household and biological-mother fixed-effects to address unobserved heterogeneity. Outcomes include neonatal mortality (<28 days), infant mortality (<12 months), and under-5 mortality. Findings reveal a U-shaped relationship between maternal age and child mortality, with the highest risk for mothers below 17 and above 40 years old. Robustness checks confirm the enduring significance of maternal age even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and time-variant unobservables. Moreover, models with biological-mother fixed-effects suggest higher risks compared to models that only control for observables, indicating that regressions without controls for time-invariant heterogeneity may underestimate the risks of maternal age at birth.

Interpersonal Communication Strategies to Increase Iron-Folic Acid Supplement Consumption: Reduction in Anemia Through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project

More than half of women of reproductive age in India are anemic. This study investigates the role of interpersonal communication in increasing the consumption of iron-folic acid supplements. Interventions that increase interpersonal communication may influence and empower individuals and the larger community in promoting behavior change. This investigation uses data from a cluster randomized intervention to understand the pathways by which interpersonal communication mediates the consumption of iron-folic acid supplements. Longitudinal data from control and intervention arms in rural Odisha, India, were collected at baseline (N = 3,691) and 20 months later at end-line (N = 3,394). Structural equation models highlighted the positive role of interpersonal communication in mediating iron-folic acid supplement use. This study illustrates that even during social distancing due to COVID-19, strategic interpersonal communication can improve iron-folic acid supplement use. Our results elucidate two key interpersonal communication pathways at play, namely the ritualistic and instrumental pathways in improving health behavior change in the community.

Understanding healthy ageing in India: insights from multivariate regression trees

BackgroundPopulation ageing represents a significant global challenge, particularly pronounced in countries like India.AimsThis study aims to explore how factors such as socio-economic status, behaviour, and health influence healthy ageing across the Indian older population.MethodsIn this study, we utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India – wave 1 dataset for analysis purposes. Scores were generated for five dimensions of healthy aging, including physical, functional, mental, cognitive, and social aspects and these scores were treated as the target variables. Multivariate Regression Trees analysis was employed to identify the behavioural and socio-demographic factors associated with each dimension of healthy ageing.ResultsYears of education emerge as crucial across all dimensions, positively impacting cognitive health and mitigating age-related decline in healthy ageing. Marital status, engagement in household activities, spiritual practices, and living arrangements impacts the scores of different aspects of healthy ageing. Gender disparities in healthy aging are noticeable in the 60–74 age group, with women generally having lower scores. Safety of the living environment is a crucial determinant of the mental health of the elderly across all age groups.These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors in healthy ageing outcomes.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the pivotal role of education in fostering healthy ageing in India. Factors such as environmental safety and social participation also influence well-being. Targeted interventions addressing education, gender equality, safety, and healthcare access are vital for enhancing the ageing experience and overall well-being of older adults.

TIME TO CHANGE THE OUTLOOK OF ICDS SCHEME (AWCS): COMPREHENSIVE FACTS

India is one of the countries with malnutrition and associated health problems. It is also the country with high-level of regional disparity, social hierarchy and inclusive society and is recounted with highest mortality of children of less than 5 years of age with nearly 74 deaths per 1000 live births. As per the reports the hunger and malnutrition among children prevails in large pockets in India. Perusal of literature depicts that 38% of children younger than five years of age in India are stunted. The problem of undernourishment costs India at least $10 billion annually in terms of loss of productivity, illness and death and improvement in human development. ICDS represents the notable symbols of commitment and retort to the above mentioned challenges by providing pre-school education on one hand and simultaneously breaks the nasty cycle of starvation, morbidity, abridged learning capacity and mortality. ICDS hence is believed to be the most imperative and focal progamme with positive role in tackling India’s health and nutrition problems. All the blocks of Jammu and Kashmir are also covered under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme. The programme is implemented through a network of community-level “Anganwadi Centers”. Despite huge allocations by the Central Government through Centrally Sponsored Programme of ICDS in India (especially in rural areas of the state), and under the flagship of this scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, still the growth in basic infrastructure and perfections in amenities/facilities remained unsatisfactory. The National Educational Policy 2020 guarantee to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 4.2 by 2030 and ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality pre-primary education provide opportunities to safeguard impartial access to quality pre-school education. The main theme of this review is to attract the attention with the fact that there must be emphasis more on the significance of the scheme at various platforms. It is the time to evaluate the actual position of the scheme with respect to its execution at the ground level with specified objectives. Also our focus here is to inform concerned Govt. authorities that new insights and tactics cum methodologies need to be developed with respect to inclusive facts to broaden its implementation along with remedial steps to remove the imperfection.

Trend, Pattern, and Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women of Reproductive Age in India, 1992-2021.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are the most important vital statistics used to assess maternal health and child health statistics. They are an indicator of the quality of maternal and child health care services, i.e., antenatal care, intrapartum care, and medical services. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend, pattern, and prevalence of APOs among women of reproductive age group at the national level over successive NFHS rounds. The current study uses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted during 1992-2021. The study uses geo-spatial mapping techniques through QGIS software and report analysis to arrive at definitive conclusions. The study finds that the incidence of APOs among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) has increased over the years. Twenty states and union territories have APOs that are below the national average. On the other hand, States like Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala have witnessed their APOs worsening as per NFHS-5 vis-à-vis NFHS-4. The study also finds that apart from the Himalayan belt and the east coast of India, APOs are more prominent in the contiguous regions adjoining these areas. The findings of the study have thrown on very interesting facts. Despite rapid economic development during the intervening period between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, rising APOs are a testament to the fact that the policymakers in the country need to be more target-oriented and get their acts together.

COVID -19 Lockdown and Effect on Individual Economy in the Lucknow city

The COVID-19 pandemic has exhibit deep stress all over the world. Despite recent speculative suggestions of poorer psychological state in all age in India, since the beginning of the pandemic, there are no systematic efforts to help consequences. This research tried to report on the content of effect of lockdown on individual economy in Luck now city, those who could also be notably liable to negative emotions alongside news on the impact of corona virus on their lives. These impacts consecutively related to negative have an effect on. Participants' high worries centred on economy attainments, social and recreational activities, and physical health. A lot of females than males disturbed regarding educational attainment and physical health whereas a lot of males disturbed regarding economical, social and recreational activities. Thus, Indian individuals report important impact of the pandemic on varied aspects of their life and area unit notably disturbed regarding economical and educational attainments, social and recreational activities and physical health. During pandemic and lockdown people lost their jobs, their business were closed, they have had no option for their livelihood They were suffered from more stress. They were panic to thought about how to move their family life. How to secure their family. Thus Pandemics are extremely impactful and endangering the protection and traditional functioning of the community.

A Comparative Study of Hunger and Satiation of Hunger in the Literary Works of M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Perumal Murugan

The ‘presence’ and ‘absence’ of food, has been an oft-deliberated topic right from the Palaeolithic Age in India. Starting from the Bhimbetka Rock paintings to the famous Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings to Nandlal’s artworks depicting the famine and drain of economy due to the imperial greed in Bengal - all of which depict the creative artist’s and writer’s colossal engagement with hunger and satiation of hunger. Likewise, several fiction writers have explored the idea of hunger, especially in Malayalam and Tamil language. The idea of hunger has been used as a trope by several indigenous writers to explore multiple social turmoils and transformations. For example, writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair use memories of hunger by child narrators to depict the fall of the feudal system, collapse of matrilineal structures, social neglect and gender marginalisation. In the present essay, we focus on two aspects of hunger a) the representation of memories of hunger amongst the rural agrarian communities b) the role that mothers play and the methods that they incorporate in mitigating hunger and creating a feeling of illusory self sufficiency (of food) amongst children. The essay argues that memories of hunger, dearth, and abundance of food are forged not just by the physical lack of it but by the experiences of lack of social security, denial of identity and the rupture of familial ties. To substantiate our arguments we draw upon the literary works of M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Perumal Murugan and use the theoretical framework of memory studies.

Digital library services and its applications in the information age in India

Digital library services and its applications in the information age in India

Estimation of haemoglobin using non-invasive portable device with spectroscopic signal application

An estimated 52% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age in India are estimated to be affected by anaemia, which is categorised as a chronic condition. In 2019–2021, the National Family Health Survey–5 (NFHS–5) which was undertaken revealed the following statistics about the prevalence of anaemia in the state of Karnataka. To estimate haemoglobin levels using non-invasive portable device among nursing students. A cross sectional study was done among students of Nursing college in central Karnataka for a period of 3 months. Total of 140 students were included in the study. EzeCheck haemoglobin estimation was done twice and was recorded in the same Google form. The frequency and percentage of variation of results between Haematology Analyzer and EzeCheck devices was presented with a range of difference such as 0, less than 1, 1.0 to 1.9, 2.0 to 2.9, 3.0 to 3.9, and 4.0 and above. The total prevalence of anaemia among nursing students was 57.8% and most of the students had moderate degree of anaemia (28.6%). Two readings of haemoglobin were taken and difference of readings were calculated and majority of the students had difference of < 0.5 gm/dl (61.4%) and only 1.4% of the students had difference of > 2 gm/dl. The mean difference of haemoglobin of two readings was 0.5 ± 0.5 gm/dl. The technology employed in this study bridges the gap between patients and anaemia diagnosis by providing screening services. The device provides the diagnosis via a non-invasive, IoT-enabled service at a low cost.

Correlates of Urinary Tract Infections Among Women of Reproductive Age in India: A Systematic Review.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant health concern globally, with a pronounced impact on women's health in India. This systematic literature review aims to elucidate the factors associated with UTIs among women of reproductive age in India and focuson demographic, behavioral, and physiological factors to inform targeted public health and clinical interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar using specific MeSH terms and preferred reporting items for systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to investigate the correlates of UTIs among Indian women. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the correlates of UTIs among Indian women, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment outcomes. The review identified a significant prevalence of UTIs among pregnant women, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent. Younger women, particularly those pregnant, were found to be at a higher risk, likely due to physiological changes during pregnancy and increased sexual activity. Behavioral and lifestyle factors, such as inadequate water intake and poor sanitation practices, were strongly associated with increased risks forUTIs.Factors that increase the risk of UTIs in women include frequent sexual activity, involvement with a new sexual partner, spermicide use that can potentially alter vaginal pH andimpact its bacterial composition, and vulvovaginal atrophy. Additionally, nearly 60% of women globallywith recurrent UTIsexperienced sexual dysfunction, indicating the broader implications of UTIs on women's sexual health and quality of life. UTIs among women in India are influenced by a complex interplay of factors. There is a critical need for enhanced public health initiatives focusing on sanitation, hydration, and hygiene, alongside holistic clinical management strategies that address both the infection and its broader health impacts. Future research should aim at developing innovative prevention and treatment strategies, with a particular focus on high-risk groups such as pregnant women, to mitigate the burden of UTIs in India.

Functional limitation among middle age and older adults: Exploring cross-national gender disparities

ObjectiveFunctional limitations are prevalent among aging demographics, especially women. Structural and health factors, which vary worldwide, influence rates of functional limitations. Yet, gender disparities in functional limitation remain unclear in a global context. MethodsWe use 2018 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) international family of studies with respondents ages 50–64 and (n = 87,479) and 65–89 (n = 92,145) to investigate gender disparities in large muscle functional limitation (LMFL) across 10 countries/regions using mixed effects logistic regression, with special attention to structural indicators of inequality and health. ResultsAmong both women and men, LMFL was generally higher in China, India, Mexico, United States, and Baltic States than in England, Scandinavia, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. The gender disparity in LMFL gradually declined at older ages in India, China, Mexico, and United States, while this disparity gradually increased at older ages throughout Europe. Among middle age respondents, the greater risk of LMFL for women in countries/regions with a high GII was no longer observed after accounting for comorbidities. Among older respondents, a lower risk of LMFL for women in countries/regions with a high GII was not observed until accounting for comorbidities. DiscussionOur findings suggest that rates of LMFL are higher in middle-income countries than high-income countries, especially among women, and in countries with a higher GII. In addition, consideration of comorbidities was integral to these relationships. Thus, national/regional contexts inform differential rates of functional limitation, particularly as it relates to gender.

Secular trend in age at menarche among Indian women

Age at menarche is not only a parameter that signifies biological characteristics for women but is also considered as an indicator to measure the quality of life of a population. Moreover, menarche has significant implications on women’s health and information about menarcheal age is crucial for health policymakers. However, little is known about the trends in menarcheal age in India. Thus, in order to fill this research gap, the present study aimed to explore the age at menarche, its trend and regional heterogeneity among Indian women. A birth cohort approach was used by polling data from the 1st (1992–93), 4th (2015–16) and 5th (2019–21) rounds of NFHS. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed to present the distribution of age at menarche and mean age at menarche across birth cohorts and each category of covariates. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to examine the trend in age at menarche and further to investigate the association of covariates with menarcheal age among Indian women. The analysis demonstrated that a majority of women (66.2%) attained menarche between the ages of 13–14 years. Moreover, about 17.2% of women experienced an early age at menarche, whereas 16.7% of women had a late age at menarche. The mean age at menarche for the sampled women was 13.49 years. The analysis also observed a secular declining trend in menarcheal age among Indian women and a significant variation in the mean age at menarche across birth cohorts. It also highlighted significant socio-economic patterning in menarcheal age among women.

The Changing Face of Free Speech: A Study of Article 19 in the Digital Age in India

In the digital age, India’s narrative of free speech has encountered both evolution and turbulence. Rooted in the democratic ethos, Article 19 of the Indian Constitution safeguards this freedom, reflecting the country’s commitment to upholding a citizen’s right to express. With the proliferation of online platforms—ranging from social media to news portals—the citizens have found dynamic avenues to articulate their viewpoints. As Nelson Mandela once said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” However, this freedom has its pitfalls in the digital realm: the rapid dissemination of misinformation and the perils of divisive rhetoric. This research delves into the protective umbrella of Article 19 of the Constitution, emphasizing its pivotal role in safeguarding expression. The current landscape necessitates a balance, a careful navigation between the unrestricted flow of opinions and the dangers of digital misinformation. Issues of censorship, both governmental and self-imposed, further complicate this balance. As the world envisages the future of India’s digital discourse, it becomes paramount to ensure that the sanctity of free speech, as championed by Article 19, is preserved, yet responsibly exercised. Conclusively, the paper underscores the imperative of navigating the nuanced balance between unbridled digital expression and the responsibilities accompanying it, all through the lens of Article 19.

Population Aging in India: A Regional Comparison and Implications for Older Persons’ Welfare and Healthcare Infrastructure

Population aging is an inevitable consequence of demographic transitions, and declining fertility causes a rising burden of aging. The present study aims to project the aging index of various states nationwide up to 2031. In addition, the study estimates the year by which different states and union territories (UTs) will reach the Kerala levels index of aging (i.e., aged society). To conduct this study, data were gathered from the 2001 and 2011 Census of India. Using simple trend extrapolation techniques, we produced projections of aging indices up to 2031. Further, an index of aging of each state and union territory up to the level of Kerala state (i.e., aged society) was projected. The results showed that there will be a change in the age structure of the population from 2011 to 2031. There will be a 6% increase in the working-age group (15–59 years) and a 5% in the older population (60 years and above). However, there will be a decline of 11.2% in the children ages 0–14 years. The southern states and some states of north India, such as Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, are likely to attain Kerala’s level of aging index in the next few years. However, northern states are expected to take more years to achieve it. Therefore, there is a need to promote harmony between development and demographic change by expanding economic and social resources for older persons. The time has come to plan for the future burden of the older population across the country and arrange appropriate health facilities for them.

Vaccination equity: Exploring immunization coverage for selected vaccines in urban Bengaluru’s elderly community

Abstract Introduction: Globally, the proportion of elderly individuals is steadily increasing, posing significant challenges for health-care systems. Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and associated morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In India, there is no national immunization schedule dedicated to the elderly group. This study aimed to explore the vaccination coverage for selected vaccines, namely pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), among the elderly residing in urban Bengaluru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. Data were collected from 132 elderly participants living in three wards of Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, health conditions, and vaccination status. The data were analyzed using EPI data 3.1 Software, and the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the association of demographic variables with vaccine intake. Results: The results showed that vaccination uptake for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was nil, while for COVID-19 vaccines, 4.5% of participants had not taken any dose, 6.8% had taken the first dose, 57.6% had taken the second dose, and 31.1% had taken the booster dose. Sociodemographic analysis revealed significant associations between vaccine uptake and variables such as age, socioeconomic status (below the poverty line card holder), and body mass index. Conclusion: The low uptake of vaccines in the elderly population highlights the need for specialized strategies and initiatives to increase vaccination coverage. The study recommends suitable measures to improve vaccination coverage among elderly, creating awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population, and enhancing vaccine accessibility and availability to promote healthy aging in India.

Prevalence of Wasting and its Associated Factors among Children Under 5 Years of Age in India: Findings from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey.

The burden of wasting among under five children in India, has not reduced in the last decade. We used child-level data from the latest nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey (CNNS) to estimate the prevalence of wasting at the national and state level in India. We explored the association of wasting with maternal, child and household factors using multivariable logistic regression for the age group of 0-5, 6-23 and 24-59 months. The overall prevalence of wasting was 17.3%, ranging from 5.8% to 29.1% across states, 23.3% in children 0-5 months, 19.6 % in children 6-23 months and 15.4 % in children 24-59 months of age. Higher birthweight i.e., every 100g increase (0-5 months aOR = 0.96, 6-23 months aOR = 0.94, 24-59 months aOR = 0.96), higher maternal BMI (0-5 months aOR = 0.51, 6-23 months aOR = 0.62, 24-59 months aOR = 0.67), increasing child age in months (0-5 months aOR = 0.84) and female sex of the child (24-59 months aOR = 0.82) was found to have significantly lower odds of wasting. The odds of wasting were significantly higher for poorest wealth quintile (0-5 months aOR = 1.99, 6-23 months aOR = 2.13), maternal unemployment (0-5 months aOR = 2.25), and lower levels of maternal education (6-23 months aOR = 1.74). Our analyses showed that burden of wasting continues to remain high in India. Preventive interventions must target reduction of low birthweight. Early identification and management of wasting should be done, especially during the first six months of life who are not part of current therapeutic feeding programme.

Validating the implementation of an indicator reporting policies and laws on free public maternal health-related services in the era of universal health coverage: A multi-country cross-sectional study.

The concept of universal health coverage (UHC) encompasses both access to essential health services and freedom from financial harm. The World Health Organization's Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) Policy Survey collects data on policies that have the potential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The indicator, "Are the following health services provided free of charge at point-of-use in the public sector for women of reproductive age?", captures the free provision of 13 key categories of maternal health-related services, to measure the success of UHC implementation with respect to maternal health. However, it is unknown whether it provides a valid measure of the provision of free care. Therefore, this study compared free maternal healthcare laws and policies against actual practice in three countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study in four districts/provinces in Argentina, Ghana, and India. We performed desk reviews to identify free care laws and policies at the country level and compared those with reports at the global level. We conducted exit interviews with women aged 15-49 years who used a component service or their accompanying persons, as well as with facility chief financial officers or billing administrators, to determine if women had out-of-pocket expenditures associated with accessing services. For designated free services, prevalence of expenditures at the service level for women and reports by financial officers of women ever having expenditures associated with services designated as free were computed. These three sources of data (desk review, surveys of women and administrators) were triangulated, and chi-square analysis was conducted to determine if charges were levied differentially by standard equity stratifiers. Designation of services as free matched what was reported in the MNCAH Policy Survey for Argentina and Ghana. In India, insecticide-treated bed nets and testing and treatment for syphilis were only designated as free for selected populations, differing from the WHO MNCAH Policy Survey. Among 1046, 923, and 1102 women and accompanying persons who were interviewed in Argentina, Ghana, and India, respectively, the highest prevalence of associated expenditures among women who received a component service in each setting was for cesarean section in Argentina (26%, 24/92); family planning in Ghana (78.4%, 69/88); and postnatal maternal care in India (94.4%, 85/90). The highest prevalence of women ever having out of pocket expenditures associated with accessing any free service reported by financial officers was 9.1% (2/22) in Argentina, 64.1% (93/145) in Ghana, and 29.7% (47/158) in India. Across the three countries, self-reports of out of pocket expenditures were significantly associated with district/province and educational status of women. Additionally, wealth quintile in Argentina and age in India were significantly associated with women reporting out of pocket expenditures. Free care laws were largely accurately reported in the global MNCAH policy database. Notably, we found that women absorbed both direct and indirect costs and made both formal and informal payments for services designated as free. Therefore, the policy indicator does not provide a valid reflection of UHC in the three settings.

ASSESSING ADEQUACY OF HEALTH FACILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS IN INDIAN CITIES

Abstract 1The healthcare system in India is struggling to meet the needs of the current population, and the rising aging population is likely to exacerbate this problem. Therefore, it is essential to plan and prepare for the future. Thus, using a geospatial approach, this study used data from the Census of India to investigate the distribution of older populations’ access to improved health facilities across various cities in India. The study found wide variation in the proportion of the aging population across India, with cities in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of India having a higher percentage of older people. The study compared the distribution of older adult populations and health infrastructures, such as hospitals and medical staff, and found considerable regional variations in their availability. Smaller cities tend to have poorer health facilities than larger ones, despite having similar proportions of older populations. The study found that good health facilities were concentrated in specific pockets, particularly in metropolitan cities, while smaller cities lacked them. This infrastructure gap poses a significant challenge in achieving healthy aging in India. Population aging is a significant demographic trend that requires attention from policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. This study highlights the need for improved health facilities in Indian cities, particularly smaller cities, to ensure the well-being and a better quality of life of older adults. By prioritizing the needs of the aging population, we can create a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all citizens.

India ENIGMA Initiative for Global Aging &amp; Mental Health–A globally coordinated study of brain aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

AbstractBackgroundThere is a “diversity” crisis in brain research, as most brain research is conducted in Caucasian populations. This lack of ethnic diversity means that we do not know if predictors of health (and disease) generalize to other ethnic groups.We have recently launched the India ENIGMA Initiative for Global Aging &amp; Mental Health ‐ a globally coordinated study of brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), funded by the NIA/NIH, USA. Our overall goal is to identify predictive markers in the blood, genome, and epigenome that influence brain aging in India, to better understand prognosis, and to support personalized risk evaluations on each continent. To do this, we will leverage our global consortium, ENIGMA (http://enigma.ini.usc.edu), creating new links between international biobanks, and building research capacity.MethodAim 1. Create Lifespan Charts of brain aging Trajectories in India using MRI, DWI and Resting State Functional MRI. Aim 2. Identify Blood and Epigenetic Markers that Predict Brain Aging and AD in India. Aim 3. Using a combination of multimodal imaging, blood markers, and clinical data to predict clinical decline in India. We test structural equation models that hypothesize how brain aging depends on lifestyle and psychosocial factors (diet, family support, drug abuse, literacy, sleep, and depression), as well as sex, education, and AD genetic risk.ResultWe test structural equation models that hypothesize how brain aging depends on lifestyle and psychosocial factors (diet, family support, drug abuse, literacy, sleep, and depression), as well as sex, education, and AD genetic risk. With novel machine learning methods, we will analyze blood markers and plasma proteomic analytes, to define processes that are harmful to brain aging.ConclusionThe data emerging from this study is expected to help in personalized risk evaluations as well as identify etiological pathways to resilience across genetically and psychosocially diverse populations. This collaborative India‐US initiative will also enable future science initiatives, and equip the team from India with the necessary tools to train new scientists and independently conduct high impact research in the field of disorders of brain aging.