bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND SARCOPENIA IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zhai Xiangyu , Wang Moyao , Zhan Shiyin , Yu Doris Sau Fung
Published: January 2025

Individual-level socioeconomic characteristics are known to predict sarcopenia, but less is known about how the neighborhood context shapes this debilitating problem among older adults. This study aims to examine the association between nSES and sarcopenia. We included 943 older adults aged over 60 years (56.0% female, mean age 72 ± 8.1). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS2019) algorithm covering skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. nSES, the sum of the standardized values of the proportion of single-person households, never-married status, low education attainment, households with low income, unemployment, non-professional vocation, and non-owner occupiers, were obtained from the Census and Statistics Department and divided into distribution-based tertiles of all 292 Tertiary Planning Units in Hong Kong (T1 = highest nSES). There were 89 participants (8.4%) diagnosing sarcopenia. The sample was distributed across three tertiles of nSES (T1: 157 participants [16.6%]; T2: 193 participants [20.5%]; T3: 593 participants [62.9%]). Compared with T1, the lower nSES tertiles showed higher odds of sarcopenia, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and individual-level socioeconomic characteristics (T2: OR = 1.38 [95% CI, 0.49 – 3.87], T3: OR = 3.53 [95% CI, 1.51 – 8.28], T2: aOR = 1.53 [0.51 – 4.54], T3: aOR = 3.12 [95% CI, 1.21 – 8.03]). This is the first study to identify the negative relationship between comprehensive nSES and the prevalence of sarcopenia. The findings urge the need to develop socio-environmental sensitive risk stratification and preventive care to manage later-age sarcopenia.
NOVEL NUTRITION EQUITY METHOD: OLDER ADULT NUTRITION EQUITY INDEX (NEI) DEVELOPED IN HEALTH ABC & EXPANDING TO PHRESH
Authors: Fulay Aarohee , Dubowitz Tamara , Farsijani Samaneh , Freeland Kerri , Roberts Jimmie , Rosso Andrea , Houston Denise , Strotmeyer Elsa
Published: January 2025

Nutrition equity – no barriers to obtaining healthy foods – is critical for older adults. Current nutrition equity research lacks sufficient attention to multiple and concurrent processes that may contribute to acquiring healthy food. For example, improving food security, i.e. fiscal ability to obtain healthy foods, alone may not improve diet without accounting for geospatial food access or individual physical limitations. We designed a novel nutrition equity index (NEI) for older adults which combines food security, food access, and physical limitations data from older Black and White adults in Pittsburgh, PA and Memphis, TN from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC; 51.7% women; 37.9% Black; 74.7±2.9 years). In multivariable linear regression, low (12.1%) and moderate nutrition equity (32.5%) vs. high were associated with lower dietary quality (measured via Healthy Eating Index), though after adjusting for race (which was included as a marker for social/structural factors), this NEI association attenuated to non-significance, suggesting effect modification. We will extend our analysis to examine nutrition equity with a historically marginalized population living in two predominantly Black neighborhoods by using recent data from Pittsburgh Hill/Homewood Research on Neighborhood Change and Health (PHRESH; 80.7% women; 94.1% Black; 64.8±9.3 years). We will expand the NEI to include additional food access (e.g. distance to major food shopping venue) and functional ability measures in an expanded population of middle-aged to older adults. Expansion of the NEI and its application in this new population/setting will highlight the structural nutrition equity components which are critical to address.
NURSE PERCEPTIONS OF A SYSTEMS-BASED OLDER ADULT MOBILITY INTERVENTION IN ACUTE CARE UNITS
Authors: Erickson Olivia , Tucker David , King Barbara , Steege Linsey
Published: January 2025

Lack of ambulation during a hospital stay is the leading cause of hospital-acquired disability for older adult patients. Acute care nursing staff are identified as responsible for maintaining patient functional ability. However, nurses infrequently walk patients due to system barriers. Multiple interventions to improve patient ambulation have been tested with mixed results. Few researchers have designed interventions that target nurse barriers or addressed factors that may impact nurse acceptance of a mobility intervention or sustainability. This study aimed to understand how nurses experienced implementing a systems-based mobility intervention and identify which components of the intervention need further adaptation to create the right “fit” for inpatient units. A qualitative study using directed content analysis was conducted. Four adult medical inpatient units from 2 academic medical centers in the Midwest served as the study sites. 53 staff members participated in 8 focus groups that were audio recorded and transcribed. Four categories that describe the nursing staff experience were identified: Needing the Right Dose, Fostering Communication, Being Valued, and Making Ambulation Visible. Nurses perceived the intervention as adaptable to fit their unit needs, improved communication between staff members, patients, and healthcare providers, and aligned with their value of achieving good patient outcomes. It is critical to understand nurses’ experiences with implementing a systems-based intervention when promoting behavior change to improve older adult patient ambulation. Failed implementation efforts can have serious consequences on nurses’ perceptions of patient ambulation, the sustainability of programs, and the quality of care for older adults.
OLDER ADULTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON USING AN AI-AIDED SMARTPHONE
Authors: Hu Yi-Ling , Chen I-Chen
Published: January 2025

Falls and injurious falls are expected to increase with the aging population, causing significant distress. Developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-aided smartphone system to minimize home visits may reduce home visits and costs. Older adults’ perspectives on AI and related implementation tasks are crucial. Therefore, focus groups were conducted to explore older adults’ acceptance and concerns about using an AI-aided smartphone system. Community-dwelling older adults (over 65 years old) without cognitive impairment were recruited from local senior centers, hospitals, and the Department of Occupational Therapy at Chang Gung University (CGU), Taiwan. Two coders independently analyzed transcripts using a framework analysis approach. Data saturation was reached when no new ideas emerged in the final focus groups. The research team has conducted three focus groups with older adults (n=15). The main finding showed that older adults viewed AI-aided Smartphones as helpful but preferred traditional home programs with human contact; they were highly aware of falls but were concerned that new AI technology would steal their smartphone information. Other themes, such as fear of scams, lack of knowledge, and lack of age-friendly smartphone platforms, also emerged. The result of this study indicates implementing the AI-aided smartphone program for fall prevention is possible, but multiple barriers need to be removed for older adults. The finding may help health professionals aid traditional fall prevention programs with new technology and may advance program effectiveness.
ORAL FRAILTY INDEX-8 QUESTIONNAIRE’S VALIDITY & ASSOCIATION WITH SARCOPENIA & PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hernandez Herb Howard , Lim Celestine , Lim Jun Pei , Chia Jia Qian , Yeo Audrey , Tan Cai Ning , Lim Wee Shiong , Chew Justin
Published: January 2025

Oral frailty (OF) is the age-related decline in oral function, and is associated with negative outcomes, including aspiration, malnutrition, and physical frailty. Despite its importance, validated tools for OF assessment are limited, preventing early detection and intervention. The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) is a questionnaire assessing tooth loss, chewing, swallowing and oral health behaviours. We aim to evaluate OFI-8’s construct validity and determine its associations with muscle strength, physical performance, sarcopenia, and functional outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 300 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.4+/-7.1years), using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine OFI-8’s factor structure. We assessed OFI-8’s correlations with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular lean mass corrected for height (ALM/ht2), maximum handgrip strength and usual gait speed. We then examined the associations of OFI-8 with outcomes of sarcopenia (self-reported questionnaire,SARC-F), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery,SPPB) and IADL function (Lawton scale) using multiple linear regression adjusted for age and sex. EFA revealed a 3-factor structure for OFI-8 (Factor-1:Oral and Swallowing Problems; Factor-2:Dental Care; Factor-3:Dietary and Social Habits). Higher OFI-8 scores, indicating OF, demonstrated weak but significant correlations with low lean mass(r=-0.119,P=0.038), impaired handgrip strength(r=-0.218,P=0.001), and slow gait speed(r=-0.203,P=0.004), and was associated with sarcopenia (Beta=0.044,95%CI 0.0012 to 0.089,P=0.044), impaired physical performance (Beta=-0.088,95%CI -0.156 to -0.021,P=0.011), and IADL impairment (Beta=-0.080,95%CI -0.15 to -0.010,P=0.026). Our results provide preliminary evidence for the factor structure and validity for the OFI-8, as well as its association with sarcopenia and functional impairment. Further research is required to evaluate its predictive validity for longitudinal outcomes.
PARTNERS IN CARE MODEL FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND MULTIMORBIDITY (PCM)
Authors: Testad Ingelin , Gjestsen Martha , Holteng Lise Birgitte
Published: January 2025

The increasing prevalence of old age, multimorbidity and dementia over time suggest a pressing need for interventions which can help mitigate the health challenges associated with an aging population. One of the challenges adhere to the complexity and frequency of interactions with- and transitions between multiple health services, which further increases the vulnerability to coordination breakdowns, thus representing organisational challenges for the health system as well as to the care of this vulnerable group of people. This project represents a development of a Partner in Care Model (PCM) to meet the challenges persons with multimorbidity and dementia are met with. The Partner in Care Model will organize the care within the existing health care system, to increase the health care professionals expertise in involving carers to give high quality and cost effective care to persons with multimorbidity and dementia, to meet the major challenges this vulnerable group of people. Furthermore, PCM will have a holistic approach to meet all the challenges in this vulnerable group of people, on the management of medical-, lifestyle and psychosocial-health care needs. More specifically we aim to: • Identify the most common care models used in managing persons with multimorbidity with dementia • Describe the effectiveness of existing care models to develop a Partner in Care Model • Test the feasibility of a Partner in Care Model
PREDICTING SOCIAL ISOLATION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Kang Bada , Park Min Kyung , Kim Jennifer , Yoon Seolah , Heo Seok-Jae , Kang Chaeeun , Hong Dahye
Published: January 2025

Social isolation in older adults, which encompasses limited social interaction and loneliness, is a significant risk factor for dementia. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stages are considered focal points of preventive interventions, at which cognitive and physical functions can be restored. Thus, preventing social isolation via prompt identification of high-risk individuals is crucial. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning models to predict social interaction and loneliness levels among older adults with SCD and MCI. This study included 99 community-dwelling older adults (n=67 SCD and 32 MCI). While demographic and health-related data were collected via survey, we applied a mobile Ecological Momentary Assessment approach for real-time measurement of social interaction and loneliness levels and wrist-worn actigraphy for sleep and activity data. While the Random Forest model was the most suitable for predicting social interaction level (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.935), the Gradient Boosting Machine model was the most suitable for predicting high levels of loneliness (AUC: 0.887). Time-specific analyses demonstrated the association between a low frequency of physical movement in the morning and a low level of social interaction, and decreased sleep quality during night time and high levels of loneliness. This study showed the potential of machine learning models to predict the social interaction and loneliness of older adults at risk for dementia. The algorithms can be applied to develop mobile preventive interventions that utilize real-time sleep and behavioral data to prevent social isolation in these at-risk individuals.
PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF AN OT INTERVENTION TO PREVENT FUNCTIONAL DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES
Authors: Arias Dalmina , Mirza Mansha , Fischer Heidi
Published: January 2025

Chronic disease affects 95% of older adults in the US, with 80% having two or more conditions. Poor management can lead to a decline in health, mobility, and ADL/IADL limitations, contributing to lower self-efficacy in disease management. Early identification and intervention of ADL/IADL limitations could help break the cycle of chronic disease and functional decline. This 2-arm parallel RCT explored the preliminary efficacy of an occupational therapy (OT) intervention for adults aged 55 and over with chronic conditions. The 12-week program included a comprehensive ADL assessment and ten intervention sessions focused on health management, physical deconditioning, and ADL/IADL limitations. Forty community-dwelling adults (mean age = 67 years) with diabetes or heart disease were recruited. Outcomes measured included physical functioning (Patient-Specific Functional Scale, Physical Performance Test, PROMIS Physical Functioning), self-efficacy for chronic disease management, health-related quality of life (PROMIS Global Health Measure), and ADL/IADL performance (Late-Life Functioning and Disability Index). ANCOVA was used for data analysis with baseline scores as covariates and Sidak correction for multiple comparisons. A significant effect favoring the intervention group was observed for the main outcome, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (p =.04, d = 0.82, 95% CI [-1.5, -0.17]). Other outcomes showed promising trends with smaller effect sizes. These preliminary findings support the potential of OT interventions in managing chronic diseases among aging adults. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
PROBIOTICS AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Elhassan Mohamed , Ahmed Linda , Adil Rawaa , Mohamed Leena , Mussaad Ahmed , Abdelrahman Nadir
Published: January 2025

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome marked by cognitive decline beyond normal expectations for age and education, without significantly disrupting daily activities. MCI is a recognized risk factor for dementia, and early detection may allow for secondary prevention. This study evaluates the impact of nutrient supplements and probiotics on MCI patients. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched for studies published between 2019 and 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving MCI patients treated with nutrient supplements or probiotics, with cognitive function assessed via the MMSE, were included. Studies with dementia patients were excluded. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs). Seven RCTs, totaling 523 participants, were included. Both probiotics and nutrient supplements significantly improved cognitive function, as measured by MMSE, compared to controls (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.21). Subgroup analysis revealed that nutrient supplements significantly enhanced MMSE scores compared to controls (SMD = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.14). MCI remains a complex issue in geriatric medicine due to ongoing debates over diagnosis and treatment. Currently, no FDA-approved medication exists for MCI. Most studies and guidelines advise against using Dementia drugs like Memantine and Donepezil for MCI due to limited efficacy and potential side effects. However, promising results from recent trials on nutrient supplements and probiotics suggest these could be integrated into future treatment protocols.
PROFILING THE ORAL MICROBIOME IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Jeong Sol-ah , Jung Bock-Young , Lee Insuk , Cha Jun Hyung , Choi Yejun
Published: January 2025

Early diagnosis and monitoring of clinical progression are crucial for managing dementia. While the relationship between oral health, brain health, and dementia has recently received increased attention, the oral microbiome in dementia patients remains uncharacterized. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the diversity and composition of the oral microbiome in older adults with dementia using next-generation sequencing, and compare it to healthy individuals without dementia to determine whether the oral microbiome could serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prevention of dementia. A total of 58 older adults aged 65 years and older participated in the study, 30 with dementia and 28 cognitively intact healthy individuals. All participants were screened and clinically diagnosed by a neurologist using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 1ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from each subject, the tongue was swabbed with a sterile swab for 20 seconds to collect samples, and full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed on all the samples. Statistical analysis was performed using MaAsLin2, and it was found that Fusobacteriota was more abundant in both the tongue and saliva of the dementia group compared to the healthy group, while Pseudomonadota is more dominant in the healthy group. Fusobacterium periodonticum was found to be more abundant as the K-MMSE scores decreased. Prevotella jejuni, Streptococcus anginosus, and Streptococcus gordonii are more enriched in the Dementia group compared to the healthy group.
PROLONGED EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FRAILTY TRENDS IN A VETERAN SUBPOPULATION
Authors: Bhalla Nalini , Fawcett Janet
Published: January 2025

The first year of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in frailty when compared to a recovering trend the prior year in our previously studied subpopulation of 3532 older veterans. We used an automatically generated Veterans Affairs (VA) Metrics computed assessment score to monitor frailty trends for an additional two years to see if this increase persists. We studied the one year difference in mortality Care Assessment Need (CAN) scores in 2652 veterans (mean(SD) age 71.7(1.3) years, 98.8% Male) from 2019 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were age 70-75 and CAN score >=75 as of 2/8/19. Veterans who died during the study period or did not have a 1-year mortality CAN score for any of the years were excluded. The year to year difference between the mortality CAN scores was compared with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction and found to be significant for increasing frailty (p< 0.001). We also compared the last mean (SD) CAN score from the 2652 patients alive on 2/10/23 with the 735 patients deceased between 2/12/21 and 2/10/23 and found a significantly higher CAN score in the patients who died (p< 0.001). The sequelae of repeated Covid infections involve a broad array of organ systems with an unclear duration of excess risk. Additionally, an uneven post pandemic recovery in the diagnosis and management of chronic conditions may explain the persistent increase in frailty in our studied veterans up to 3 years after the pandemic was declared.
RACIAL AND RURAL-URBAN DISPARITIES IN DISCHARGE AMONG MEDICARE PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE
Authors: Cheng Mengyuan , Kennedy Winston , Ferdows Nasim
Published: January 2025

Disparities in post-acute stroke care are a critical public health issue, as they can profoundly affect patient outcomes and long-term recovery. Understanding how race and rurality shape discharge destination patterns is essential for addressing these inequities. This study explores these disparities among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for ischemic stroke in 2021, using data from the 5% Medicare Fee-For-Service sample. We conducted multinomial logistic regression, stratifying by survival status and adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, comorbidity, dual-eligibility status, depression, hospital length of stay, and state Medicaid expansion status. Rurality was categorized using Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes into urban, rural-adjacent, and rural non-adjacent areas. Significant disparities emerged among patients who died during or shortly after hospitalization. Hispanic and Black patients had 62% lower odds of being discharged to hospice, another hospital, or other settings compared to White patients (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.73). Patients classified as ‘Others’ (Asian, Native American, etc.) had 74% lower odds of being discharged to such settings (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.62). Rural-adjacent patients had 44% lower odds of being discharged to hospice or other settings compared to urban patients (OR=0.56, 95% CI 0.31-1.01), while rural non-adjacent patients showed a 36% reduction in odds, though this was not statistically significant. Our findings highlight the critical need for tailored interventions to address racial and rural-urban disparities in post-stroke care, particularly for patients who die during or shortly after hospitalization, to promote equitable care.
RED BLOOD CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH: FURTHER INSIGHTS
Authors: Oberdier Matt , Zampino Marta , Shardell Michelle , AlGhatrif Majd , Lakatta Edward , Simonsick Eleanor , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: January 2025

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) measures erythrocyte size variability and strongly predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Our prior cross-sectional analysis showed that inflammation, metabolic rate, and body habitus are independently associated with RDW. To better understand determinants of RDW, we performed a longitudinal analysis associating changes in RDW within the normal range (11.5 - 15.0%) with age, sex, race, and changes in other erythrocyte properties, major CVD risk factors, and other physiologic measures. Data were from 452 men and 482 women, aged 50 to 94 years enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. For each participant and each predictor, change was the regression coefficient of time from a linear model. Coefficients of candidate correlates were then used to predict change in RDW in multiple linear regression models that were reduced by backward selection. In the final model, increasing erythrocyte number (STβ=1.4980, P< 0.001), mean platelet volume (STβ=0.2019, P< 0.001), anion gap (STβ=0.1754, P< 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (STβ=0.0684, P=0.0395), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (STβ=0.1007, P=0.0015), alanine transaminase (STβ=0.1580, P< 0.001), interleukin-6 (STβ=0.2338, P< 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (STβ=0.0769, P=0.0107) and decreasing glucose (STβ=-0.2425, P< 0.001), vitamin B12 (STβ=-0.1310, P< 0.001), and C-reactive protein (STβ=-0.1801, P< 0.001) were associated with increasing RDW. The association of age with increasing RDW was independently explained by decreasing glucose (STβ=-0.2310, P< 0.001). Taken together, these findings suggest that rising RDW may reflect accelerated aging. Studies in larger, more diverse populations are necessary to confirm these findings and determine their role in mechanisms leading to age-associated increases in RDW.
REDUCING AVOIDABLE ED VISITS IN OLDER ADULTS—A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH BETWEEN ED AND NURSING HOMES
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Ong Chong Yau , Ng Angus Jun Jie , Nadarajan Gayathri Devi D/O , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Lee Jean Mui Hua
Published: January 2025

Singapore has one of the fastest aging populations in the world. As the number of older adults increases, so does the number of older adults living in nursing homes (NH). Prior research has found that NH residents have a high rate of emergency department (ED) visits and close to half of these visits might be avoidable. To promote high-quality care for NH residents and to address the overcrowding in the ED, we developed a telehealth-based care coordination program named EAGLEcare ACT (Enhancing Advance care planning, Geriatric and end-of-Life care - Acute Care Team). In brief, a public health institution - Sengkang General Hospital has partnered with NHs in their catchment area and delivered telehealth consultations to help NH staff manage acutely-ill NH residents on-site instead of transporting them to the ED. Between Aug 2020 – Dec 2023, we engaged 11 out of the 35 NHs in the catchment area, 7 of which have come on board, and 1166 telehealth consultations were delivered. After the implementation of EAGLEcare ACT, there was a significant decrease (pre: 51/9%, post: 40.5%, P<.001) in the proportion of ED visits from partnering NHs. The impact largely remained throughout the program period. We also found that the effect of EAGLEcare ACT varies by NHs and might be related to differences in the characteristics of NH residents and experiences of NH staff. Findings from this project provided much-needed evidence to enhance care transitions, improve high-quality tele-ED care, and promote health and well-being for older adults residing in NHs.
REFINING BP MONITORING: IMPACT OF HYPERTENSION AND VARIABILITY ON COGNITIVE TEST PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Roberts Mitchell , Sappington Erica , Venkata Pruthvinath Jeripity , Tremblay Roma , VandeWeerd Carla
Published: January 2025

Blood pressure (BP) management is crucial in mitigating cognitive decline, yet the relationship between hypertension and cognitive function is complex. To further explore this, data were collected on cognitive function (via MoCA), demographics, hypertension, and BP (measured 3 times concurrently) from older adults 50-89 between 5/27-7/19/24 at the UFHealth PHRC in The Villages (UFIRB202400472) as part of a broader study to test and refine Casana’s Heart Seat (THS) algorithm for passive in-home BP monitoring. MoCA scores as the dependent variable, were examined using multiple regression. Predictors included age, gender, hypertension (self-reported diagnosis, systolic >160mmHg), BP variability (standard deviation of 3 BP’s), and pulse pressure, adjusted for interaction effects and confounding variables. A cross-sectional analysis of 502 older adults (M=71.98, SD=6.77) revealed that 54.2% (n=272) self-reported hypertension, with 95% of this subgroup reporting antihypertensive medication use. The mean MoCA score for all participants was 25.7 (SD=2.4). Regression analyses identified age and hypertension as significant predictors of lower MoCA scores (β = -0.621, p =.004). Higher mean systolic pressure was linked to lower MoCA scores (β = -0.193, p <.001). Older age (80+) correlated with greater BP variability (β = 0.067, p <.001) however, variability in systolic (p=.569) and diastolic (p=.280) BP was not significantly associated with MoCA scores. These findings highlight the importance of managing hypertension to preserve cognitive health in older adults. Implications will be discussed in terms of policy and practice.
SEABIRD: RECRUITING A DIVERSE COMMUNITY-BASED POPULATION FOR AN ALZHEIMER’S BLOOD TEST STUDY
Authors: Larsen Matthew , Li Melody , Burton Melanie , Soke Lisa , George Rickey , Bateman Randall
Published: January 2025

Older adults, often isolated and facing health challenges, are less integrated into society and research, making it crucial for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies to effectively recruit them. The Study to Evaluate Amyloid in Blood and Imaging Related to Dementia (SEABIRD) enrolled 1,122 participants to determine the participant acceptability and accuracy (relative to amyloid PET) of a plasma amyloid-β 42/40 assay in a diverse, community-based sample of older adults. Participants completed a blood collection, cognitive screening, and a survey about their study experience and perceptions of the blood test. A subset of participants completed additional blood collection for reproducibility, amyloid PET and MRI for validation of the blood test, and the Clinical Dementia Rating® for validation of the cognitive screening measures. To ensure a diverse sample of participants, demographic factors such as race and education were prioritized during the recruitment process. Participants were recruited through existing study registries, electronic medical record chart reviews, newspaper postings, flyers, and community events. Of the participants enrolled, 23.5% self-identified as Black or African American, exceeding the study’s goal of 14% for the US population and 5.2% for a large AD research cohort (the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI] study in 2022). Additionally, SEABIRD participants were more likely to have a high school education or less (25.3%) compared to those in ADNI (15.5%). SEABIRD achieved broader diversity than typical AD cohorts and may help inform practices to recruit underrepresented populations. These results demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting a diverse, community-based population for AD blood collection studies.
SLEEP IN FOCUS: EVALUATING WEARABLE BIOMETRIC DEVICES FOR DEMENTIA SLEEP MONITORING- A SCOPING REVIEW OF EFFICACY
Authors: Griffiths Leroy , McCreedy Ellen , Reddy Ann
Published: January 2025

Sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and adversely affect their physical and cognitive functioning. Monitoring sleep patterns, therefore, is imperative for assessing cognitive deterioration. Wearable devices may provide a cost-effective, non-invasive approach for conducting sleep studies in people with ADRD, provided they are tolerable and accurate. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate the efficacy of wearable devices in measuring sleep among people with ADRD, compared to gold standard measures: polysomnography (PSG) or sleep diaries. Utilizing Pubmed, we identified 140 potentially relevant articles. Of these, 104 were excluded during abstract review, 33 during full-text review, and 3 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The primary reasons for full-text review exclusion were: lack of a gold standard comparator or direct measure comparison (76%), incorrect study population (12%), and studies involving randomized controlled trials without baseline data (6%). The included studies indicated that actigraphy consistently overestimated total sleep time and sleep disturbances compared to sleep diaries and questionnaires. Results are consistent with previous research that suggests actigraphy may overestimate sleep in low-mobility populations. It may also indicate that sleep diaries are ineffective for this population. Since none of the studies utilized PSG, more research is necessary to establish efficacy. Similarly, if sleep diaries are imprecise, the effectiveness of wearables may be insufficiently substantiated. Furthermore, none of the included studies report sample characteristics regarding race, despite the optical technology utilized in wearables being linked to racial bias in individuals with darker skin tones.
STANDARDIZED NURSING LANGUAGE—KNOWLEDGE-BASED CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM MODULE FOR LONG TERM CARE NURSES
Authors: shin Juh Hyun , Park Chung Hyuk , Lee Myungeun , Lee Soo-Kyoung , Farina Crystel , Park Suhyun , Korer Burton , Batchelor Melissa
Published: January 2025

Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) integrate patient health information with clinical expertise to guide referrals, reduce prescription medication errors, and ensure adherence to guidelines. Standardized nursing languages, such as NANDA-I (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International), NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification), and NOC (Nursing Outcomes Classification), enhance evidence-based practice by providing essential diagnostic and outcome data. However, the adoption of CDSS in long term care settings, incorporating standardized nursing languages and culturally specific scenarios to improve care for diverse racial and ethnic groups. We employed machine learning techniques, including support vector machines, random forests, and large language modeling, to train and test the CDSS using 130 scenarios of simulated nursing home residents generated by Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4.0. Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (Brooke, 1996) and a questionnaire by Lund (2001) evaluating usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use. The System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded a mean score of 60 (SD = 3.65), while the USE score was 6.62 (SD = 0.55), with high ratings for ‘ease of learning.’ Usability issues were also identified through heuristic evaluation with nursing faculty experts. All ratings fell within a range of 5 to 7, indicating overall positive feedback. The CDSS has the potential to significantly enhance care quality, marking a pivotal advancement in applying healthcare technology to support nursing professionals. Future research should reflect on a more nursing care-specific application in developing and applying new technology in long term care settings
STUDY DESIGN, PROTOCOL, AND HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS OF PFAS IN THE TSUKUBA CITY COHORT
Authors: Eun Heesoo , Yoon Jieun , Kameyama Mayumi , Hata Hiroshi , Arai Tetsuaki , Okura Tomohiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: January 2025

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are toxic chemicals that are urgently regulated worldwide. While several adverse effects on the human body are known, including impacts on liver, kidney, and reproductive functions, the effects of 30 different multicomponent PFAS on the human body remain largely unexplored. Recently, it has been suggested that PFAS may affect Alzheimer’s disease, necessitating more rapid investigation. Given that PFAS exposure in humans primarily occurs through food intake, we initiated a cohort study in collaboration with various medical specialists to understand and address the actual situation of PFAS exposure in Japanese individuals who consume seafood with relatively high PFAS concentrations. The ongoing Tsukuba Happiness Life Study involves a large group of citizens aged 45 to 89 years from Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The study will investigate the molecular species and concentrations of more than 30 PFAS in blood and urine samples collected from 1,000 healthy, consenting participants. Additionally, cognitive function and motor performance will be assessed. Specialists from various medical departments at the University of Tsukuba Hospital will evaluate the results, relating the molecular species and concentrations of PFAS to their health effects. This research will, for the first time, reveal the effects of PFAS derived from dietary habits on the human body, providing comprehensive knowledge on PFAS, including their impact on cognitive and motor functions.
SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE CONCERNS AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE IN PRODROMAL PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Authors: Luu Britney , Bangen Katherine , Garcia Mary Ellen , Urias Uriel , Galasko Douglas , Thomas Kelsey
Published: January 2025

While subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) are commonly observed in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, SCC in cognitively unimpaired individuals at risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD), as defined by reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) or REM behavior sleep disorder (RBD), is less understood. Therefore, this study examined associations between SCC and individual neuropsychological measures in the prodromal PD cohort (n=715, mean age=67.75) from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. SCC (n=199) or no SCC (n=516) was based on participant or caregiver report for item 1 on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, part 1. Analyses of covariance, adjusting for age, education, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, psychiatric factors, motor symptoms, and prodromal classification (hyposmia or RBD), examined the association between SCC and measures of memory, language, visuoperception, processing speed, and executive functioning. Relative to participants without SCC, those with SCC had lower performance on Animal Fluency (B=-1.02, p=.009, np2=.011) and Symbol Digit Modalities (B=-1.68, p=.036, np2=.007). When examining the SCC x prodromal classification interaction, hyposmia or RBD status did not moderate the associations for Animal Fluency or Symbol Digit Modalities. Overall, SCC in prodromal PD participants was only associated with two measures requiring speeded retrieval and processing. Unlike in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, where SCC is often linked to memory, no such association was found in prodromal PD. Instead, SCC was associated with speeded measures that are likely more sensitive to PD related changes. Future work will investigate the utility of SCC to predict conversion to PD and longitudinal rates of cognitive decline.
THE EFFECT OF PICEATANNOL FROM PASSION FRUIT SEED EXTRACT ON SIRTUIN EXPRESSION
Authors: Tsukiashi Motoki , Kawakami Shinpei , Maruki-Uchida Hiroko , Iemoto Naoki
Published: January 2025

Piceatannol, a polyphenol abundantly found in passion fruit seeds, is structurally similar to resveratrol. It has four hydroxyl groups, is highly water-soluble, and is expected to have various effects, including antioxidant properties. Sirtuins are known to promote longevity and prevent various chronic diseases associated with aging. Given the growing interest in longevity research, this study aimed to explore the potential of piceatannol to induce sirtuins. We hypothesized that piceatannol might function as a more potent activator of sirtuins than resveratrol. Using THP-1 cells, we performed RT-PCR and Western blotting to determine sirtuin mRNA expression and protein levels after the addition of piceatannol. Our in vitro results showed that piceatannol and its metabolites significantly induced sirtuin mRNA expression and increased sirtuin protein levels, surpassing the effects of resveratrol. To validate these findings in humans, we examined changes in sirtuin mRNA expression in blood after the ingestion of a test food containing 100 mg of piceatannol or a placebo food for two weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The results of the analysis of 281 participants confirmed the upregulation of sirtuin mRNA expression due to piceatannol intake. Moreover, stratification by menopausal status revealed that sirtuin mRNA expression was significantly higher as a result of piceatannol intake among postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that piceatannol intake may promote longevity through sirtuin activation, offering potential for longevity therapies and dietary supplements. This study emphasizes the need for further research on piceatannol’s mechanisms of action in the growing field of longevity research.
THE FREQUENCY OF RAW VEGETABLE AND FRUIT CONSUMPTION AND ASSOCIATES WITH DEPRESSIVE MOOD IN JAPANESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Takase Mai , Yokoyama Yuri , Nofuji Yu , Abe Takumi , Nonaka Kumiko , Murayama Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

The consumption of vegetables and fruits are known to associate with better health. It is also proven that the intake of raw and unprocessed vegetables and fruits relate to better mental state in younger adults, due to retainment of micronutrients that could be lost from cooking. However, little is known about the relationship between intake of raw vegetables and fruits and mental state in older adults. In this research, we aimed to clarify the association between the frequency of raw vegetable and fruit consumption and depressive mood in Japanese older adults. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the Wako Cohort Study, which targets community dwelling older adults (≥65 years old) living in Saitama prefecture, Japan (September 2023, N=1,004). The frequency of raw vegetable and fruit consumption (every day vs. less than every day) was used as independent variable, and Geriatrics Depression Scale 5 (score of 2 and above as depressive mood vs. 1 and below as none) was used as dependent variable. The percentage of those who consumed raw vegetable and fruit everyday was 27.2% (n=273) and the percentage of those with depressive mood was 27.4% (n=275). Adjusted with age, sex, marital status, education, self-rated health, number of teeth, comorbidity, BMI, cohabitant, income status, and dietary variation score, a binary regression analysis (n=896) revealed that frequency of raw vegetable and fruit consumption negatively associated with depressive mood (OR=0.62, 95%CI=0.40-0.97). This result suggests the importance of frequent raw vegetable and fruit consumption for better mental state in older adults.
THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE ORAL HEALTH INDICATORS IN OLDER INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Choi Boyun , Jung Bock-Young
Published: January 2025

Depression significantly affects overall health and quality of life, including oral health and subjective discomfort. This study examines how objective and subjective oral health factors differ based on depression diagnosis in individuals aged 65 and older. Using data from the 2018-2020 National Health and Nutrition Survey (n=3324) by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this study compared oral health in patients with and without depression. The research assessed subjective factors like chewing difficulties, self-perceived oral health, and recent tooth pain, alongside objective factors such as the number of natural teeth and the need for prosthetics. Analyses included Rao-Scott chi-square tests, survey logistic regression, and linear regression. Significant differences were observed in subjective oral health factors between the depressed and non-depressed groups. Depression was associated with recent tooth pain (p = 0.0022), chewing discomfort (p < 0.0001), and self-perceived poor oral health (p = 0.0136). Regardless of gender, age, BMI, depression group reported the same pattern. However, no significant differences were observed in objective factors such as the number of natural teeth or the need for prosthetics. These findings suggest that depression could influence oral subjective and functional ability factors more sensitively and how older individuals perceive their oral health.
THE ROLE OF CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE IN PERCEIVED AND ACTUAL ATTENTION AMONG OLDER COLORECTAL CANCER SURVIVORS
Authors: Jung Mi Sook , Cha Kyeongin , Lee Ahrim , Cui Xirong , Lee Dahyeon , Hwang Jeongeun , Park Eunyoung , Yeom Hyun-E
Published: January 2025

Older people treated for cancer often experience greater fatigue compared to younger survivors, partly due to age-related physiological changes and reduced physical resilience. Our previous study found that both perceived cognition and actual test performance were significantly associated with cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in middle-aged cancer survivors. However, it remains unclear whether the impact of fatigue on cognition is more pronounced in older cancer survivors compared to their younger counterparts. This study aims to compare attention function between different age groups and to examine whether increased fatigue contributes to poor attention. We assessed middle-aged (n=131) and older (n=133) colorectal cancer survivors using self-rated questionnaires (Attentional Function Index, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue, Patient Health Questionnaire) and a computerized test (Attention Network Test, ANT). Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and linear mixed models. Older participants exhibited poorer executive attention performance than middle-aged participants, while perceived attention and fatigue levels were similar between age groups. Additionally, older participants did not show improvement across trials unlike middle-aged participants showing faster performance with repeated trials. Fatigue was significantly associated with performance on ANT. This association remained significant even when controlling for educational level, comorbid condition, depressed mood, and restorative activity. The findings indicate that older cancer survivors had reduced executive attention function and may be more vulnerable to the effect of cancer-related fatigue, which is intrinsically linked to attention dysfunction. This enduring challenge suggests a need for targeted intervention addressing both cancer-related fatigue and cognitive impairment to improve outcomes for older cancer survivors.
TOGETHER, WE DO SAVE LIVES: EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF A GERIATRIC TRAUMA PROGRAM
Authors: Sanchez-Reilly Sandra , Sidle Erin , Crenshaw Shannon , Reilly Elizabeth , Khalikov Marla , LaCoss Jennifer , Martinez Nicolina , McGinity Ashley
Published: January 2025

Background

Trauma, the fifth cause of death among Older Adults (OA), accounts for up to 25% of all trauma admissions. Multi-comorbidities, polypharmacy, decreased function, and increased mortality are some challenges requiring geriatric expertise. Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a geriatric trauma service consultation (GTSC) program in a level-1-trauma hospital.

Methods

1321 GTSC were collected December/22-June/24. Variables included length-of-stay, morbidity/mortality and place-of-discharge.

Results

Median age 78 (73-85). 58% female (765); 73% White, 20% Hispanic. 62% GTSC occurred within the first day of hospital admission, but 2% GTSC occurred >6 days after admission (delayed consults-DC). Within 30-days-of-admission, 3% and 2% hospital-readmission-rate. Falls constituted 74% GTSC, 17% were motor vehicle accidents. 87% GTSC came from home but only 35% returned home with 56% discharged to rehabilitation facilities. When comparing GTSC performed within 2 days of admission vs. DC, DC showed higher mortality (3.1% vs. 6.9%, p=0.24,NS); higher ICU stays (38.8% vs. 75%,p< 0.0001); higher 30-day-hospital-readmission (2.1% vs. 3.4%,p=0.47,NS); higher total length-of-stay (mean 6.9 days vs. 24.5,p< 0.0001); higher length-of-stay from day-of-GTSC (mean 6 days vs. 10.5,p=0.0004). OA with delirium had the longest hospital length-of-stay (mean 21.3 days,p< 0.0001) and higher ICU length-of-stay (15.9 days,p< 0.0001). Conclusions: When consulted early, GTSC showed to decrease mortality, hospital readmissions; and being significantly effective in decreasing ICU time and lowering length-of-stay among OA. Delirium poses a serious dilemma showing significantly worse length-of-stay and ICU need. Further studies need to focus on GTSC as an earlier intervention and to target specific geriatric syndromes such as delirium.