bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Vulnerability: The Complexity of Preparing Older Veterans for Surgery
Authors: Starr Kathyrn , Loyack Nancy , McDonald Shelley , Heflin Mitchell , Lagoo-deenadayalan Sandhya , Bales Connie
Published: December 2020

Poor nutritional status leads to postoperative complications, infections, poor healing, and increased mortality, creating a high-risk situation for older adults undergoing surgery. Psychosocial and environmental factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, disability, social isolation and depression, are known precipitators of nutritional risk. However, these potentially modifiable concerns are rarely taken into consideration preoperatively. In 736 older Veterans preparing for surgery, we found 42% reported it was hard/somewhat hard to pay for basic needs, 6% reported sometimes/often times not having enough to eat, 24% reported living along, 47% reported needing assistance with 1 or more IADLs, and 42% reported a history of depression. Findings from older, Veterans, illustrate the prevalence of psychosocial and environmental risk factors prior to surgery. Best practices for identifying these factors, the importance of an interprofessional team for intervening, and specific resources that can be utilized throughout the perioperative period to improve outcomes will be presented.
Brain Games for Dementia: Do They Help?
Authors: Heyn Patricia , Sood Pallavi , Devos Hannes , Negm Ahmed , Kletzel Sandra
Published: December 2020

Brain Gaming (BG) Interventions have been shown to improve the cognitive function of older adults with cognitive impairments (CIs). However, rigorous evaluation supporting BG effectiveness is needed. Thus, we used meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of BG. Several search databases (i.e. Pubmed) were used to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Cochrane RoB tool evaluated risk of bias. The main outcome was the composite score of cognitive function. Inverse-variance random effects model was used to compare the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) across studies. A total of 16 RCTs included 909 participants. The RCTs varied in sample size, gaming platform, training prescription, and cognition. The meta-analysis showed no significant effects of BG on overall cognitive function (pooled SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [-0.24 – 0.41], p = 0.61, I2 = 77%. However, due to high heterogeneity, we cannot confidently refute that BG is an effective cognitive training approach.
Risk and Protective Factors for Cognitive Reserve in Oldest-Old Japanese Americans
Authors: Willcox Bradley , Chen Randy , Donlon Tim , Willcox D Craig , Allsopp Richard , Masaki Kamal
Published: December 2020

3,734 Japanese-American male oldest-old (aged 85+ years), from the Kuakini Honolulu Asia Aging Study, were assessed for prevalent cognitive impairment (CI). CI was defined as scoring <74 on the 100-point Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI; 80% sensitivity, 90% specificity for dementia). CASI tests from 1991 (Exam 4) to 2012 (Exam 12) identified 1496 cases of CI (i.e. low cognitive reserve) and 1222 non-CI controls (mean diagnosis age: 85.7 ± 5.3; range 71-100 years). Baseline risk factors were compared between groups, adjusted for age at onset of CI or last CASI. Step-wise conditional logistic regression was used to assess risk for CI. Among other factors, education (0.88; 0.85-0.9, p<0.0001), hand-grip strength (0.98; 0.97-0.99, p=0.03), and height (0.97; 0.96-0.99, p=0.002) had protective effects; whereas APOE4 carriage (1.31; 1.04-1.63, p=0.02) and depression (1.4; 1.06-1.96, p=0.02) were risk factors for CI. The implications of these data for cognitive and physical health will be discussed.
Developing Country-Specific Question Prompt Lists About Dementia Palliative Care for Family Caregivers
Authors: Bavelaar Laura , van der Steen Jenny , Nicula Maria , Morris Sophie , Kaasalainen Sharon , Achterberg Wilco , Brazil Kevin
Published: December 2020

We aimed to develop question prompt lists for family caregivers of nursing home residents with advanced dementia to augment advance care planning conversations. In the context of a joint European-Canadian study, we used standardized nominal group methods to create country-specific lists of questions. (Bereaved) family caregivers of persons with dementia read an information booklet about end-of-life care for people with dementia, and generated questions to ask healthcare professionals. They also marked the most important questions from pre-selected questions from other lists. In the Netherlands, 20 participants contributed to a question prompt list of 24 questions that gravitated towards questions about terminating life and the responsibilities of physicians and family involved in decision making. In Canada, 4 participants came up with a question prompt list of 15 questions, related mostly to staff-family communication, with some the same as selected in the Netherlands. Data from the other countries will be presented too.
Profile of Older Adults Who Received Wound Care by a Family Caregiver: The NHATS-NSOC 2017
Authors: Hathaway Zachary , Granche Janeway , Coates Martha , Sefcik Justine , Neidrauer Michael , Lewin Peter , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann
Published: December 2020

A gap in knowledge exists related to the socio-demographic and health characteristics of older adults receiving wound care from a family caregiver in the home. We created a cohort (N=992) of older adults from NHATS who lived in the community or residential care (non-nursing home) and had a family caregiver complete the NSOC question “provides help with skin care related to wounds or sores”. Approximately one third (32%) of these older adults received wound care from a family caregiver. These older adults were more likely to be men, live with others, have lower levels of physical function, be malnourished (OR = 1.63 [95% CI = 1.02-2.60]), and have inflammation (hsCRP > median 1.89), P < .05. These findings can inform the needs of older adults receiving wound care from a family caregiver and lead to development of additional supports for caregivers (e.g., multi-component interventions).
Medical Student’s Perception of Dementia Assessment and Management Among Rural Veterans
Authors: Padala Prasad , Stovall Jessica , Kern Matthew , Curtis Jeremy , Boozer Eugenia , Lensing Shelly , Padala Kalpana
Published: December 2020

Background: Rural Veterans rely on their caregivers, case managers and primary care providers for dementia management. Providers of such patients need to work closely with caregivers, know the local dementia resources and be comfortable with the multiple facets of dementia assessment and management. Unfortunately, medical students are not particularly well trained in these aspects and huge knowledge gaps exist. The goal was to study the impact of a multi-component, experiential, brief curriculum on attitudes of dementia care. Methods: 108 medical students participated in a curriculum including didactics, clinical, and team-based learning followed by pre-post assessments. Results: Student’s perception of their ability to assess multiple facets of dementia such as behaviors, caregiver burden, and cognition improved significantly (p<0.001). Students’ perception of the role of social worker improved significantly (p=0.002). Conclusion: An interdisciplinary curriculum, improved medical students’ perception of their ability to assess for dementia in a cohort of predominantly rural Veterans.
Smart Wearables in the Lens of Aging: Results From the ROAMM Study
Authors: Mardini Mamoun , Manini Todd , Schrack Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Continuous, long-term monitoring with remote capabilities using wearable technology is ideal for capturing information about patient/participant symptoms synced to sensor-based information. The Real-time Online Assessment and Mobility Monitor (ROAMM) is a smartwatch framework configured to collect data in free-living settings from both sensor-based (location and movement) and responses to symptom notifications through a visual display. The symposium presents the overall framework and preliminary findings from a demonstration study in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Karnati will present the general framework of ROAMM explaining the data flow from the smartwatch to end users (clinicians and research). He will highlight components in the design that makes the framework unique and highly flexible to serve different studies with different research questions. Rouzaud evaluated satisfaction, usability and compliance wearing a smartwatch and using the ROAMM app. Participants were compliant to ecological prompts about pain, fatigue and mood three times a day (82.5% compliance rate). Additionally, > 70% reported being satisfied with the function/usability and comfort with using ROAMM and wearing the smartwatch. Mardini examined the temporal relationship between ecological pain and derived life-space mobility features from Global Positioning System coordinates. Results suggested that higher level of knee pain in older adults was associated with lower life-space mobility. Manini examined physician perception towards an electronic health record (EHR) graphical interface of top ranked patient attributes of pain, falls, hydration and mobility patterns. Results indicated a relatively high level of usability of the EHR interface depicting smartwatch data.
Older Adults' Satisfaction and Compliance of Smartwatches Providing Ecological Momentary
Authors: Laborde Charlotte , Cenko Erta , Mardini Mamoun , Ranka Sanjay , Rashidi Parisa , Manini Todd
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate satisfaction, usability and compliance using the Real-Time, Online Assessment and Mobility Monitor (ROAMM) application designed for smartwatches. Twenty-eight older adults with knee osteoarthritis (66-88 years old) wore a Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch with ROAMM. While wearing the watch for 13.16 (±2.94) days, participants gave ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of pain intensity, mood and fatigue at random times in the morning, afternoon and evening. EMA compliance rate was 82.5%. Satisfaction ratings were high with 73% reporting being satisfied with the function, 78% reported being satisfied with the comfort and 73% reported as likely to use ROAMM on a daily basis for a one-year research study. Participants reported to reduce watch size and weight, style and increase battery life. Older adults were compliant to ecological assessment of their symptoms and reported positive usability and satisfaction of wearing a smartwatch and ROAMM app.
ActiviDaily: Turning Apathy Into Action in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Massimo Lauren , Lydon Sean , Miller Alexander , Rascovsky Katya , Mechanic-Hamilton Dawn
Published: December 2020

Impairment of goal-directed behavior (GDB), often labeled apathy, is a common behavioral symptom in dementia. ActiviDaily is a novel mobile app that engages both patients and caregivers to increase GDB to improve everyday function. ActiviDaily targets key components of GDB (motivation, planning and initiation) and individualizes patient goals. Pilot testing in twelve patient/caregiver dyads occurred over 4 weeks of app use. Measures of behavior, everyday functioning, and psychological distress were assessed in a pre-post design. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was used to establish individualized goals and measure progress on a standard scale. GAS showed that 79% of participants’ goals were met at or above expectations. Caregiver depression and stress were significantly reduced. There was also a reduction in ratings of patient apathy. ActiviDaily is an innovative intervention that individualizes treatment of apathy and has the potential to increase independence in day-to-day life and decrease caregiver burden.
WHO World Report on Hearing: Implications for the United States and the WHO Decade of Healthy Aging
Authors: Nieman Carrie
Published: December 2020

The past 5 years have seen incredible advances in approaching hearing loss as a major public health issue. National efforts include the 2015 President’ Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, & Medicine’s 2016 Commission on Hearing Health Care for Adults, which led to the 2017 OTC hearing aid legislation and the expected debut of OTC hearing aids in 2020-2021. The World Report on Hearing amplifies these efforts. This presentation will cover the role of the Report in the context of the rapidly evolving hearing care landscape in the US and how the Report’s call for affordable, accessible hearing care fit within current national efforts focused on older adults. Finally, the WHO recognized 2020-2030 as the Decade of Healthy Aging. We will discuss how the World Report on Hearing integrates with broader efforts to support healthy aging locally and globally.
World Health Report on Vision: Aging Implications for Global Vision and Eye Health
Authors: Swenor Bonnielin , Varadaraj Varshini , Lee Moon Jeong , Whitson Heather , Ramulu Pradeep
Published: December 2020

In 2019, the World Health Organization World Report on Vision estimated that that 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment, of which almost half could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed. As the global population ages and the prevalence of visual impairment increases, inequities in eye care and the downstream health and aging consequences of vision loss will become magnified. This session will: (1) provide key information regarding the burden of eye disease and visual impairment among older adults worldwide; (2) outline a framework created to conceptualize the aging and long-term health implications of vision loss, and (3) discuss the global public health challenges to eye care and to maximizing health for older adults with visual impairments.
Why Retirement and Age Discrimination Policies Need to Consider the Intersectional Experiences of Older Women
Authors: Button Patrick , Figinski Theodore , McLaughlin Joanne Song , Burn Ian
Published: December 2020

We summarize how older women face intersectional experiences that affect their retirement security. These include differential trends in aging, life expectancy, labor supply, work history, retirement savings, and poverty at old age. We also highlight research showing that older women experience significantly more age discrimination than older men. affecting the ability for older women to improve their retirement security by working longer. We demonstrate through examples that these differential trends and intersectional experiences of older women have important policy implications. We provide examples of how Social Security policies, such as increases in the full benefit retirement age and changes to the retirement earnings test, have differential effects on older women. We also discuss how age and gender employment discrimination law fails to protect older women from intersectional sex-plus-age discrimination. We conclude by urging policymakers to consider how older women experience different challenges and how policy should consider their unique experiences.
Responding to the Pandemic: An Update From the GSA COVID-19 Task Force
Authors: Hyer Kathryn , Sobczyk Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The GSA COVID-19 Task Force was convened in March 2020 to address the needs of GSA members and older adults related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This interdisciplinary group of members represents physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, educators, and researchers with expertise in disaster preparedness, caregiving, trauma, HIV, vaccination, home health, long-term care, social isolation, motivation, and risk communication with older adults. In this symposium, Task Force members will share how they have advanced the areas of research, education, and practice related to the pandemic. Speakers will discuss the process of developing a COVID-19 research agenda and how that is moving forward. They will also share how Task Force members representing AGHE have been supporting members through listening sessions and the development of materials to assist with the transition to online teaching. Finally, speakers will provide updates on the several fact sheets, webinars, and a decision aid that have been developed to support GSA members and their work with older adults.
Sex Differences in Genetic Effects Using Two Gene Aggregation Techniques: Depression and Cognition
Authors: Ware Erin , Schmitz Lauren , Gard Arianna
Published: December 2020

The state of science has increasingly valued interdisciplinary training and research. As an early-stage investigator, interdisciplinary research, such as that supported by the Research Centers Collaborative Network through the National Institute on Aging, provides valuable opportunities to connect researchers across disciplinary boundaries. This program encourages researchers use their diverse training experiences to tackle difficult questions in aging research and forge scholarly relationship that advance the state of science through creative problem-solving and a spectrum of interdisciplinary perspectives. This presentation describes a recently funded project to examine sex differences in aging outcomes using genetics, depression, and impaired cognition with polygenic and gene-region aggregation techniques. We will highlight the benefits and opportunities of the Research Centers Collaborative Network pilot grant to this highly interdisciplinary work, co-lead by early-stage investigators.
Why Age and Aging Research Matters: A Chat With NIA Senior Leadership
Authors: Bernard Marie
Published: December 2020

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, is the federally designated lead agency on aging research, and has supported significant research on aging as a life-long process. In the last five years, NIA experienced a tripling of its budget. Although much of this funding is targeted to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD related dementias (ADRD) research, there was an increase in funds allocated to non-AD research in keeping with the overall growth of NIH. This symposium will provide a forum for exploration of the implications of the budget increases for the general research community. It will involve NIA’s senior staff discussing research priorities and programs supported by the Institute. A question-and-answer session will follow brief introductory remarks on current funding and future priorities and research directions of NIA.
The Translational Geroscience Network: Supporting a New Paradigm to Alleviate Age-Related Chronic Disease
Authors: Justice Jamie , Kritchevsky Stephen , Kuchel George , Kirkland James
Published: December 2020

Aging is the leading risk factor for many chronic diseases. Through traditional approaches to drug development and treatment focus on treating one disease at a time, the geroscience hypothesis posits that by targeting fundamental aging processes one could alleviate multiple age-related diseases. Now several geroscience-guided interventions are at the point of entering human clinical trials. To accelerate testing of this important hypothesis, an interdisciplinary Translational Geroscience Network (TGN; R33 AG061456) has recently been established. The TGN is a new national resource of aging research centers committed to working together toward complementary, small-scale, proof-of-concept “use case” clinical studies. One such pilot will be highlighted: a translational trial of senolytics, or drugs targeting the biological aging process cellular senescence in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The promise of geroscience provides another reason “why age matters”: by studying the basic biology of aging, we may open novel therapeutic opportunities for challenging age-related diseases.
The Intersectionality of Ageism
Authors: Nash Paul , Taylor Tonya , Levy Becca
Published: December 2020

Ageism is unlike any other form of prejudice in that, all things being equal, we are all at risk of experiencing it as we age. Whilst this stands true, many communities experience discrimination in other domains such as gender, race, sexuality and disability. As these communities age they are likely to experience cumulative or intersectional disadvantage due to multiple stigmatized group memberships. Where it is understood that there are negative health (cognition, gait speed, longevity, cardiovascular) and psychological (depression, stress, anxiety) outcomes associated with each form of discrimination, the often focused research is less than conclusive regarding the consequences of intersectional discrimination. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies from across the US, this symposium explores the impacts of ageism with regard to HIV status, disability status, race/ethnicity and LGBT identification. Exploring the intersections of ageism, each paper will highlight the challenges faced by the respective communities as well as some of the ways to address this using policy, practice and highlighting where additional research would be needed to fully understand the phenomena. Finally the discussant will summarise and collate ideas for a concluding panel discussion.
Lessons Learned From Nonsignificant Findings in Exercise With Individuals With Dementia
Authors: Dawson Nicole , Menne Heather
Published: December 2020

The National Institute on Aging recognizes the importance of identifying promising non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) to promote health in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Several systematic reviews have been completed investigating exercise in this population resulting in mixed evidence regarding efficacy across functional domains. It is critical to investigate the methodological factors from the original interventions for a true understanding of these findings as to not outright dismiss exercise as beneficial. One example is Ohio’s replication of Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease (n=508), which resulted in no significant improvements in physical performance for individuals with dementia ((gait speed (p=.81), balance (p=.82), functional reach (p=.58)). In this investigation, along with many others, researchers were not guided by key principles of exercise science leading to critical intervention design and methodological flaws. Thus, exercise interventions for individuals with dementia need to include interpretations of non-findings and report key factors affecting the outcomes.
Behavioral Health Screening in Geriatric Primary Care in the Deep South
Authors: Allen Rebecca , Halli-Tierney Anne , Carroll Dana , Albright Amy , Dragan Deanna , Bell Gregg , Cox Brian
Published: December 2020

Behavioral health screening by interprofessional teams practicing in outpatient geriatric primary care improves identification of patient cognitive functioning and emotional needs. On average, geriatrics clinic patients who consented to participate in research (N = 209; 74% women; 16.6% African American) were 76.7 years old. Patients had an average of 5.83 medical diagnoses. Only 26.2% of patients had scores indicating cognitive functioning within normal limits; 32.6% had scores indicative of mild neurocognitive disorder, and 41.2% had scores indicative of dementia at their baseline visit. Over 30% of patients reported clinically significant levels of depression or anxiety, and 16.5% of patients reported at least one indicator of hazardous alcohol use. Five-year longitudinal data analysis reveals multiple patient profiles. Behavioral health screening in primary geriatrics clinic care may help identify patient cognitive and emotional needs across time. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Mental Health Practice and Aging Interest Group.
Population and Health Policy Considerations
Authors: Robison Julie
Published: December 2020

The risk of death, disease, disability, hospitalization, institutionalization and high health care costs varies among individuals with increasing heterogeneity associated with aging. Frailty, physical performance measures, self-reported measures and multimorbidity all represent measures that are useful in helping to better define such heterogeneity at the level of populations and to ultimately define such risk in individuals. These higher risk individuals account for a growing proportion of this nation’s health care costs, with continued increases over time that appear unsustainable in the long term. Therefore, efforts to better define the nature of such heterogeneity of risk and improved targeting, with the goals of improving outcomes and reducing costs, are essential. A closely related challenge is to effectively translate proven clinical and health system interventions from the world of research to that of health policy and real-world clinical practice via pragmatic trials.
Design of REGARDS: A National Cohort of Black and White Adults to Study Disparities in Stroke and Cognitive Function
Authors: Howard Virginia , Cushman Mary , Wadley Virginia , Manly Jennifer , Judd Suzanne , Howard George
Published: December 2020

The REGARDS study enrolled 30,239 whites and blacks aged >45 from 2003 – 2007, with oversampling of blacks and residents of the Stroke Belt. Potential participants were mailed a letter/brochure followed by telephone call. After verbal consent, telephone interview assessed cardiovascular health and cognitive function. In a home visit, measurements of risk factors, biological samples, EKG, written consent were obtained; during the in-home visit, self-administrated questionnaires were left to be completed and returned. Participants are followed for hospitalizations via telephone at 6-month intervals. Annually and biennially, brief and more comprehensive assessments of global cognitive function are conducted. Medical records for suspected strokes are collected with adjudication by stroke experts. A 2nd in-home and telephone assessment was conducted 2013-2016, approximately 10 years after baseline. This presentation will describe the methodological details of REGARDS, progress on the specific aims of the current grant, and establish the context for the remaining presentations.
How To Publish: Preparing Manuscripts for Clarity, Transparency, Scholarly Integrity, and Success
Authors: Meeks Suzanne
Published: December 2020

The GSA publications team sponsors this annual symposium to assist prospective authors to successfully publish their gerontological scholarship in GSA’s high impact and influential journals. The first part of the session will include five brief presentations from the Editors-in-chief of Journals of Gerontology-Series B, Social and Psychological Sciences, The Gerontologist, and Innovation in Aging, plus one of GSA’s managing editors. We will integrate practical tips with principles of publication ethics and scholarly integrity. The topics will be as follows: (1) preparing your manuscript, including how to choose the right journal; (2) strong and ethical scholarly writing for multidisciplinary audiences; (3) transparency, documentation, and Open Science; (4) successfully responding to reviews; and (5) working with Scholar One. Following these presentations, we will hold round table discussions with editors from the GSA journals portfolio. At these roundtables, editors will answer questions related to the podium presentations and other questions specific to each journal. Intended audiences include emerging and international scholars, and authors interested in learning more about best practices and tips for getting their scholarly work published.
Responding to Reviewers
Authors: Carr Deborah
Published: December 2020

An invitation to “revise and resubmit” one’s manuscript, especially for a highly competitive journal, is an important achievement. However, it is not a guarantee that a revised manuscript will ultimately be accepted for publication. I will provide insights into what differentiates a “major” versus “minor” R&R invitation, will provide background on how editors and reviewers arrive at these decisions, and will provide detailed tips for crafting a revision memo and revised manuscript that has an excellent chance of being accepted for publication (while staying within a journal’s word count limits). I will also offer suggestions for navigating revisions when reviewers offer discrepant feedback, or make suggestions that may not ultimately enhance the quality or impact of the manuscript.
ESPO and Butler-Williams Symposium: Race, Ethnicity, and Overcoming Barriers to Understand Why Aging Matters
Authors: Thorpe Roland , Justice Jamie
Published: December 2020

The NIA’s Butler-Williams Scholars Program and GSA’s Emerging Scholars and Professional Organization are united in providing career development opportunities for early career scholars in a manner that promotes leadership, diversity, and inclusivity. This provides a foundation to develop a network of next generation of scientists, clinicians, and policy makers capable of shaping health in aging. Among the chief concerns of our aging population are disparities in health associated with race/ethnicity, experience, sociocultural and socioeconomic factors, as well as access to and communications regarding health care. GSA’s early career professionals and alumni of the prestigious NIA Butler-Williams Scholars Program have tackled these issues directly and the scientific scholarship that results is astounding in its breadth and depth. Dr. Glenna Brewster (Butler-Williams class of 2018) will discuss new findings from a study of African American caregivers of persons living with dementia. Dr. Candace Brown, Ph.D. (Butler-Williams class of 2017), will present on overcoming social and environmental barriers to exercise among older adults. Dr. Joseph Saenz (Butler-Williams class of 2017), will present current work disparities in cognition function in the older Mexican population. The final speaker, Dr. Sarah Forrester (Butler-Williams class of 2019) will explore new perspectives on health equity in physiological dysregulation and aging. In sum, the featured talks by rising stars in aging research deepen our understanding of the influence of race, ethnicity, and overcoming barriers to understand ‘why aging matters’ across our diverse aging populations.
Predicting Engagement While Playing Computer Games in Older Adults With and Without Dementia
Authors: Miguel-Cruz Antonio , Quiroga-Torrez Daniel Alejandro , Rios-Rincon Adriana Maria , Daum Christine , De Jesus Ruby , Liu Lili , Stroulia Eleni
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors predict the level of engagement of older adults, with and without dementia, while playing computer games. Fourteen older adults with and without dementia (60%/40%) played a computer game over 16 sessions, each for 30 minutes. Variables included participants’ demographics, game-play data and environmental factors. Mixed fixed model for longitudinal data analysis design was used to determine how these variables predicted engagement. Five variables predicted engagement at a statistically significant level: Participant’s performance (B1=+0.16, p<0.03), age (B2=+0.20, p<0.00), previous experience with computer games (B3=+1.021, p<0.02), positive emotions (B4=+0.16, p<0.00), and distractions (noise) during gameplay (B5=-1.07, p<0.05). Cognitive impairment and general health status were correlated with engagement, but these correlations were not statistically significant. Previous experience using computer games and distractions during gameplay were the most important predictors of engagement while older adults with and without dementia played computer games.
Diet-based strategies, informed by genetics, to improve healthspan
Authors: Curran Sean
Published: December 2020

Diet is one of the most variable aspects of life history, as most individuals have a large diversity of choices, varying in the type and amount that they ingest. In the short-term, diet can affect metabolism and energy levels. However, in the long run, the net deficiency or excess of calories from diet can influence the progression and severity of age-related diseases. An old and yet still debated question is: how do specific dietary choices impact health- and lifespan? It is clear that genetics can play a critical role - perhaps just as important as diet choices. For example, poor diet in combination with genetic susceptibility can lead to metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. We have identified the existence of diet-gene pairs, where the consequence of mutating a specific gene is only realized on specific diets. Although only a handful of these diet-gene pairs have been characterized, there are potentially thousands of such interactions, which may explain the variability in the rates of aging in humans and the incidence and severity of age-related diseases.
Engaging Stakeholders to Implement an Aging in Place Intervention through an Area Agency on Aging
Authors: Toto Pamela , Yanes Caylee , Ennis Molly , Fields Beth
Published: December 2020

Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) is an interdisciplinary evidence-based intervention for reducing disability, reducing cost, and promoting aging in place for older adults who qualify for Medicaid services. However, implementation of CAPABLE through existing community services and with different older adult populations may require adaptations based on stakeholder input. The purpose of this qualitative study was to adapt CAPABLE for implementation through an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) targeting older adults with disability but who do not meet thresholds for Medicaid services. Data collection occurred with stakeholders from a single AAA. Two, 60-minute focus groups were conducted with frontline providers (n=7) and administrators (n=7). Thematic analysis of the data were completed using NVivo 12 Pro. Stakeholders described three themes to consider for implementing CAPABLE in their AAA: screening and referral process, eligibility, and team meetings. Frontline providers recognized the need to allow care managers “to decide who would be most appropriate for the program because they have a better understanding of the person, their family, and home environment.” Administrators supported expanding eligibility requirements, “Could we offer the program to someone even if they were recently hospitalized?” All stakeholders expressed that an initial interdisciplinary team meeting could be beneficial for goal setting, “If the team and consumer could be together for the first meeting that could save time and help generate ideas for goals.” These perspectives affirm the importance of early stakeholder engagement in adapting to adopt evidence-based programs into “real-world” settings.
A Community-Based Workshop on Addressing Dementia-Related Stigma: First Insights From a Rural Community
Authors: Bacsu Juanita , Viger Marc , Johnson Shanthi , O’Connell Megan
Published: December 2020

Dementia-related stigma can delay early dementia diagnosis and lead to social isolation, depression, and suicide. Despite this knowledge, few studies identify strategies to reduce dementia-related stigma. This late-breaker poster begins to address this gap by showcasing the educational components of a community-based workshop to share study findings on reducing dementia-related stigma in rural communities. Guided by solutions-focused theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 seniors including family members, friends, caregivers and people affected by dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. A focus group was conducted with 7 rural community leaders. The interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the interview and focus group findings, educational components of the workshop included: a dementia definition, different dementia types, warning signs/symptoms, risk reduction strategies, and information on dementia-related stigma and myths. Several strategies to reduce stigma were identified ranging from hosting inter-generational programs to inviting guest speakers with dementia. This study was found to be beneficial for improving knowledge, attitudes, comfort levels, and awareness of dementia. Additional research is needed to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions to reduce dementia-related stigma in different cultures and contexts.
Guidelines for Using Tele-Technology to Deliver Mind-Body Interventions for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Cohen Kara , Mitzner Tracy , Griffiths Patricia
Published: December 2020

Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may have limited access to intervention programs that support their mental and physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has put them at an even greater risk of not having access to such programs. While there is currently no cure, there is growing evidence that intervention programs may attenuate the progression from MCI to dementia, particularly those which 1) have potential to reduce the level of cardiovascular risk factors, 2) employ cognitively stimulating activities, and 3) create opportunities for social interaction (Petersen, Lopez, Armstrong et al., 2018; Wayne, Yeh, & Mehta, 2018; Mortimer, Ding, Borenstein et al., 2012). Many mind-body interventions, such as tai chi, yoga, and mindfulness classes, contain these three elements and have been shown to benefit individuals diagnosed with MCI, including improving cognition (e.g., Wells, Kerr, Wolkin, et al. 2013; Yang, 2016). Tele-technology (i.e., technology that supports communication between people who are not co-located) can aid in overcoming the logistical barriers by bringing instructors and interventions to these individuals to help them stay engaged and attend activities more frequently from the comfort and convenience of their home. We will present recent findings from a user study with 8 stakeholders (4 subject matter experts, 2 individuals with MCI, 2 care partners) to assess barriers and facilitators to using tele-technology to bring instruction of mind-body interventions to individuals diagnosed with MCI. This poster will present guidelines for delivering such interventions based on our findings from the user study, including safety and training protocols.
Relationship with Grandparents and Young Adults’ Attitudes About Aging and Future-Oriented Tendencies
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Siu Pok Man
Published: December 2020

It is important but always challenging to restrain from immediate temptations and behave conscientiously for long-term goals. Constructive interactions with older adults may promote young adults’ positive attitudes about aging. With a brighter later adulthood in mind, young adults may then demonstrate a higher level of future-oriented tendency in their behaviors. The current study recruited 371 college students (Mage = 22.43, SDage = 2.88; 203 females) from Hong Kong. They completed an online survey about their interaction with the closest grandparent, attitudes about aging, and measures related to future-oriented tendencies (i.e., consideration of future consequences, healthy lifestyle, and impulsiveness). Parental intimacy and demographic information were assessed as potential covariates. Supporting the hypotheses, more interaction with grandparents was related to more positive attitudes about aging, β = .40, SE = .11, p < .001. More positive attitudes about aging was then related to more consideration of future consequences, β = .14, SE = .07, p = .03, healthier lifestyle, β = .16, SE = .06, p = .005, and less impulsivity, β = -.10, SE = .03, p < .001. Bootstrapping tests for the indirect effects from interaction with grandparents to the future-oriented outcomes through positive attitudes about aging were all significant as well. Although the current cross-sectional data could not confirm the causal links among the variables, the results provide some initial insight on how older adults can foster a long-term orientation in younger generations and contribute to the sustainable development of our societies through constructive intergenerational interactions.
Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ribeiro Fabiana , Teixeira-Santos Ana Carolina , Leist Anja
Published: December 2020

Background. The population of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is ageing rapidly, presenting the highest prevalence rates of dementia in the world. In this context, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate condition between normal ageing and dementia. However, very few studies verified the prevalence of MCI in LAC countries; earlier global systematic reviews only considered prevalence reports published in English language. Method. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the prevalence of MCI in LAC countries and to explore the factors associated with MCI (i.e., age, gender, and education). A database search was conducted in February 2020 using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, SciELO, and EMBASE, for population-or community-based studies with MCI data for countries in LAC, published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese language. From k=2,168 identified and k=1,684 screened studies, only articles were selected that included subjects with a precise diagnosis of MCI. The studies were qualitatively assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data tool. Results. A total of nine studies met the criteria, published between 2007 and 2019, including a total of 17,812 participants in nine countries Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. Estimates for MCI prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 34%, with most estimates between 1.2% and 6.45%. Estimates differed by age group, gender, and educational level. Discussion. This is the first systematic review of the prevalence of MCI in LAC countries, considering only high-quality studies adopting rigorous diagnostic criteria.
Spouses’ Emotion Regulation Skills and Perceived Partner Emotional Support in the Context of Early Stage Dementia
Authors: Piechota Amanda , Monin Joan
Published: December 2020

Within older adult marriages, spouses often help regulate one another’s emotions, especially in times of stress (Monin, 2016). Although research shows that better emotion regulation skills are associated with better social skills (Lopes, 2005), less is known about whether better emotion regulation skills in one spouse are associated with greater perceived relationship quality from their partner’s point of view. Further, very little is known about these dynamics in the context of early stage dementia in which both spouses may be feeling more stress over time and need support from one another. In the present study, we hypothesized that (a) one spouse’s greater emotion regulation skills would be associated with their own greater perceived emotional support from their partner and (b) their partner would also report greater perceived emotional support. We made the same hypothesis for both the person with dementia and their spouse without dementia. We used self-report baseline data from an intervention study of 45 older adult married couples (N=90) where one spouse has dementia. Spouses completed questionnaires that measured their emotional regulation habits (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004) and perceived emotional support from their partner (Feeney & Collins, 2000). Results from the actor partner interdependence model showed that when both partners had high emotional regulation skills there were the highest levels of perceived partner support for each dyad member (B=-.02, SE=.01, t(38.83)=-2.37, p=.023). Findings suggest couple-focused interventions to enhance emotion regulation skills are important for maintaining relationship quality in the early stages of dementia.
Dyadic Agreement in the Perceptions of Patient Disability Between the Stroke Patient and Rehabilitation Therapist
Authors: McCarthy Naoki Takashi Michael , Suzuki Rie , Ogahara Kakuya , Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: December 2020

Research supports that an agreement about the consequences of the illness within related parties is critical for optimal patient outcomes. This study aimed to explore the association between patient QOL and the degree of agreement in the perceptions of patient disability within the stroke patient-rehabilitation therapist dyad. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Japan from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 81 dyads consisting of a male stroke patient living at home and the therapist in charge of the eligible patient participated. Patient QOL was measured using the WHOQOL BREF. Perceptions of patient disability were measured using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (DAS). DAS scores of patients and therapists were classified into two (high, low) and three (high, medium, low) categories, respectively, and six patterns of agreement on patient ability were created to use in the analysis. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine multivariable associations between the degree of agreement within dyad and WHOQOL scores in patients. Results suggested that when the patient appraised himself as having a low disability, the degree of patient-therapist disagreement was negatively associated with patient QOL. When the patient appraised himself as having a high disability, his QOL was lower, regardless of the degree of agreement. Disagreements in the perception of disability between patients and therapists can worsen patient QOL, especially when the patient perceives himself as having a low disability.
Successful Aging Among Older Hispanics
Authors: Garcia Marlen , Paredes Alejandra Morlett , Jeste Dilip , Moore Alison , Marquine Maria J
Published: December 2020

Successful Aging has been defined as the absence of objective physical, cognitive, and social difficulties. More recently, self-rated successful aging (SRSA) has been recognized as an important outcome in its own right. The purpose of this study was to assess SRSA and its correlates among older Hispanics/Latinos. Seventy-four Hispanic/Latino adults age 50+ (31.9% primarily Spanish-speaking; 62.5% women, mean age=69.6±12.2, mean years of education=14.3±3.3) completed a measure of SRSA (scaled from 1 [lowest] to 10 [highest]), and self-report measures of hypothesized correlates, including culturally-relevant factors (language use, acculturation, fatalism, familism, perceived discrimination and frame of reference), as well as physical (perception of physical health and physical performance), cognitive (perception of cognitive problems), and psychosocial correlates (social functioning and resilience). Fifty-five percent of the participants reported SRSA of 8 or above (mean=7.99±, range: 3-10). Factors that were significantly associated with SRSA in univariable models, were entered into a multiple linear regression on SRSA. The final multivariable model explained 58.5% of the variance on SRSA (F(3,54)=27.8, p<.001) and showed that social functioning (B=.21; p=.031), resilience (B=.34; p=.002), and perception of physical health (scaled from 1 [highest] to 5 [lowest]), (B=-.43; p<.001) were independent predictors of SRSA. Culturally-relevant factors were not independently associated with SRSA in the multivariable model. While future longitudinal studies would be better suited to address causality, the present cross-sectional findings indicate psychosocial correlates of SRSA are as important as physical correlates among older Latinos. Future studies might examine whether culturally relevant factors modify these associations.