Jacobijn Gussekloo

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About

Jacobijn Gussekloo is a leading gerontologist whose research focuses on the clinical epidemiology of aging, with a particular emphasis on thyroid function, anemia, and their interplay in the oldest-old population. Her major contributions center on understanding how common age-related conditions—such as low thyroid function and anemia—manifest and interact in individuals aged 85 and older, a demographic often underrepresented in clinical studies. Through landmark work like the Leiden 85-Plus Study, Gussekloo has demonstrated that subclinical hypothyroidism and anemia frequently co-occur in very old age, presenting diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms like fatigue and cognitive decline. Her research has been cited over 9 times in key publications, influencing guidelines for geriatric assessment and thyroid screening in elderly populations. Notably, her work challenges conventional assumptions about normal thyroid ranges in aging, advocating for age-specific reference values. Gussekloo’s findings have practical implications for clinicians, helping to prevent unnecessary treatments and improve quality of life for the oldest patients. Her dedication to studying the “oldest old” has made her a pivotal figure in geriatric medicine, bridging gaps in evidence-based care for this vulnerable group.