bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can citizen science fill knowledge gaps for the world’s most speciose and poorly-known insular amphibian fauna?
Authors: Oliver Paul M. , Davie-Rieck Anthony , Ramdani Muhammad Imam , Dashper Jono , Kusuma Kukuh Indra , Lee Chien C. , Rittmeyer Eric , Clancy Matthew J. , Hamidy Amir , Thompson Joseph C. , Fouquet Antoine , Ferreira Flavien , Richards Stephen J.
Published: January 2025

Context Tropical regions host the richest, yet most poorly known and threatened concentrations of biodiversity on the planet. Citizen science is increasingly viewed as a strategy to help fill these key data gaps. However, inadequate taxonomic frameworks, social inequities, and poor infrastructure may all constrain this potential. Aims To examine how effectively citizen science data from iNaturalist fills gaps in knowledge about the distribution, species richness and conservation status of a megadiverse tropical biota, namely the frogs of Melanesia (New Guinea and nearby islands). Methods We identified all records of Melanesian frogs on iNaturalist to species or genus where possible. Species distributions on iNaturalist were then compared to existing distribution maps and records to identify range extensions, and the IUCN Red List conservation status of any species not currently considered Least Concern was assessed based on new distributional information. Key results We estimate that around 125 described Melanesian frog species (23% of the total fauna) have been recorded on iNaturalist, including putative range extensions for at least 42 species. Based on these new data we recommend updating IUCN Red List assessments for nearly 20 previously Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, or Vulnerable species. Many records cannot be identified to species, and this issue is compounded by a mismatch between the area best-known scientifically (Papua New Guinea) and the area from which the majority of citizen science records originate (Indonesia). Conclusions Citizen science has clear potential to fill some key knowledge gaps for poorly-known tropical biotas, but does not obviate the need for baseline survey and taxonomic work based on voucher specimens with associated tissues. Implications Based on our experience, we make recommendations that may increase the impact of citizen science data for poorly-known biotas.
Change in frailty status in the 12 months following solid organ transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bevan Anna , Avery Jenny , Cheah Hoe Leong , Carter Ben , Hewitt Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate if frailty status alters following solid organ transplantation (lung, liver, kidney and heart) without rehabilitation intervention.

Research design and methods

Studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 May 2023 were searched across five databases. Studies measuring frailty, using a validated or established frailty measure, pre- and post-transplant were included. Narrative synthesis was used to describe the included studies according to the time post-transplant and according to solid organ group. Where data allowed a meta-analysis was conducted to compare frailty prevalence pre- and 6–12 months post-transplant across studies.

Results

Twelve studies were included in this review (6 kidney transplant, 2 liver transplant, 3 lung transplant and 1 heart transplant), with a total of 3065 transplant recipients with 62% being male. The mean age across studies was 51.35 years old. When narratively synthesised after an initial worsening of frailty immediately post-transplant, there appears to be a significant improvement in frailty by 3 months post-transplant that is sustained by 6 to 12 months following solid organ transplantation. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis which demonstrated an odds ratio = 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12, 0.59, P = .001, ${I}^2$ = 82%) for frailty prevalence post-solid organ transplantation (SOT) compared to frailty prevalence pre-SOT. When the single paper deemed to be of poor quality was removed the remaining four studies demonstrated a reduced odds ratio of being frail at 6–12 months post-transplant (OR 0.45 (95% CI, 0.32, 0.65, P = .001, ${I}^2$ = 13%).

Conclusions

Transplant may be associated with a reversal in frailty, although heterogeneity was demonstrated across studies.
Short- and Long-Term Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Rates of Suicide Attempts treated in Illinois Hospitals
Authors: Abid Imen Ben , Shannon Brett , Friedman Lee S
Published: January 2025

Previous studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide trends have yielded inconsistent findings, with inadequate differentiation of short and long-term effects. Addressing this gap, our study evaluates the pandemic's short and long-term trends in suicide attempts across various demographics. Illinois statewide hospital data covering January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2022, was analyzed. Compared to the pre-pandemic baseline period, changes in daily rates of suicide attempts treated across four periods of State Executive Orders limiting public gatherings were evaluated. Segmented time series analysis was developed to evaluate specific temporal patterns across four pandemic periods. A total of 153,476 suicide attempts were registered, with 38.6% of cases occurring after March 16, 2020. A significant increase of 0.8353 attempts per day per 1 million (p-value <0.0001) was found after the second "stay-at-home orders" period. A significant increase in suicide attempts was observed in females 11 to 16 years old, starting from the second "stay-at-home order" through the end of 2022, and in females 19 to 24 years old after the end of the second "stay-at-home order". The rise in suicide attempts among young females during the pandemic's later stages is alarming. Further investigation into specific risk factors is needed.
Novel inhibitory effect of Omega-3 fatty acids regulating pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Garay María I , Mazo Tamara , Ferrero Victoria , Barotto Nelso N , Lagares Clarisa , Granton María F , Moreira-Espinoza María J , Cremonezzi David C , Comba Andrea , Brunotto Mabel N , Tolosa Ezequiel J , Fernandez-Zapico Martín E , Pasqualini María E
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating malignancy in great need of new and more effective treatment approaches. In recent years, studies have indicated that nutritional interventions, particularly nutraceuticals, may provide novel avenues to modulate cancer progression. Here, our study characterizes the impact of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, as a nutraceutical intervention in pancreatic cancer using a genetically engineered mouse model driven by KrasG12D and Trp53R172H. This model closely resembles human pancreatic carcinogenesis, offering a disease relevant platform for translational research. Our findings showed that ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intervention (using a diet supplemented with 6% cod liver oil) significantly reduced tumor volume as well as lung and liver metastasis and a trend toward improved survival rate compared with control treated mice. This antitumoral effect was accompanied by distinct changes in tumor membrane fatty acid profile and eicosanoids release. Furthermore, the eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intervention also reduced malignant histological parameters and induced apoptosis without affecting cell proliferation. Of note is the significant reduction in tumor fibrosis that was associated with decreased levels of Sonic Hedgehog, a major ligand controlling this cellular compartment in pancreatic cancer. All together our results demonstrate the impact of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid as antitumor regulators in pancreatic cancer, suggesting potential for ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a possible antitumoral dietary intervention. This research opens new avenues for integrating nutraceutical strategies in pancreatic cancer management.
Antibody–drug conjugates in breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Song Yaqi , Zhou Xilei , Zhang Wenwen , Luo Honglei
Published: January 2025

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have garnered significant attention as an innovative therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. The mechanism of action for ADCs involves the targeted delivery of antibodies to specific receptors, followed by the release of cytotoxic payloads directly into tumor cells. In recent years, ADCs have made substantial progress in the treatment of breast cancer (BC), particularly demonstrating significant efficacy in the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-positive subgroup. Clinical evidence indicates that ADCs have notably improved treatment efficacy and survival outcomes for BC patients. However, challenges such as drug toxicities and the emergence of drug resistance necessitate further research and discussion. In this paper, we will summarize the advances in ADCs targeting various receptors in BC patients and explore the challenges and future directions in this field. We anticipate that the increasing availability of ADCs will lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for BC patients.
Gustatory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rajai Firouzabadi Shahryar , Mohammadi Ida , Alinejadfard Mohammadreza , Yazdan Panah Mohammad , Vaheb Saeed , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: January 2025

Gustatory dysfunction is an often overlooked symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), potentially leading to poor appetite, malnutrition, weight loss, and decreased quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of gustatory dysfunction in PwMS and compare their gustatory test scores with healthy controls. An online database search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 2024 June 29. Observational studies reporting gustatory dysfunction or gustatory test scores in PwMS were included. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses based on the type of gustatory test used. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for comparisons between PwMS and healthy controls. A total of 9 studies encompassing 1385 PwMS were included. The pooled prevalence of gustatory dysfunction among PwMS was 16.4% (95% confidence intervals [95% CI]: 8.7% to 24.1%, I² = 90%, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 18.8% (95% CI: 10.5% to 27.2%, I² = 0%) in 4 studies using the Taste Strip Test (TST), while 3 non-TST studies using liquid tastants or self-reports reported a prevalence of 20.2% (95% CI: 7.2% to 33.3%, I² = 86%). PwMS had significantly lower gustatory test scores compared to healthy controls (SMD: −0.93, 95% CI: −1.20 to −0.65, I² = 0%, P = 0.48). Gustatory dysfunction affects a notable proportion of PwMS, with prevalence rates varying by assessment method. Future studies should assess the possible causes of gustatory dysfunction in PwMS using validated gustatory assessment scales.
DESIGN, MEASURES, AND CORRELATES OF CHANGES IN AD BLOOD BIOMARKERS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH NEUROIMAGING OUTCOMES
Authors: Palta Priya , Pike James , Lu Yifei , Chen Jinyu , Walker Keenan , Sullivan Kevin , Mosley Thomas
Published: January 2025

Few studies have examined changes in blood-based biomarkers of AD pathology and neurodegeneration particularly during the mid- to late-life transition period and associations with brain pathology. Among 1525 (59.9% women, 25.8% Black) ARIC participants, we measured blood-based biomarkers of Aβ42, Aβ40, p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP using stored specimens from midlife (1993-1995, mean age 58.3 years) and late-life (2011-2013, mean age 76.0 years followed to 2016-2019, mean age 80.7 years). Using linear mixed effects models, we examined whether known dementia-related risk factors in midlife (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, lipids, coronary heart disease, cigarette use, and physical activity) are associated with 20-year biomarker changes. We also examined the associations of midlife, late-life, and mid- to late-life changes in blood biomarkers with measures of whole brain cortical thickness, brain volume, and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMH) from a 3T brain MRI scan in multivariable linear regression models. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race-center, education, APOE, eGFR, body mass index, cardiovascular risk factors, and intracranial volume for volumetric analyses. Decreasing Aβ42/Aβ40 and increasing p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP were observed from midlife to late-life. Midlife hypertension and diabetes were associated with a steeper rise in NfL and GFAP. Lower late-life levels of Aβ42/Aβ40 and higher late-life levels of p-Tau181, p-Tau181/Aβ42, NfL, and GFAP were associated with smaller cortical thickness and total brain volume, and larger WMH volume. Blood biomarkers of AD neuropathology, neuronal injury, and astrogliosis rise with age and are associated with known dementia risk factors and markers of neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular disease.
BLOOD-BASED BIOMARKERS FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND NEURODEGENERATION IN RELATION TO INCIDENT COGNITIVE STATUS
Authors: Sullivan Kevin , Blackshear Chad , Pike James , Walker Keenan , Windham B Gwen , Mosley Thomas , Griswold Michael , Palta Priya
Published: January 2025

Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and neurodegeneration, including amyloid-beta (AB), ptau-181, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NFL), could advance the monitoring and detection of individuals at high risk for adverse cognitive outcomes. At visit 5 (2011-13) of the community-based ARIC study, AB42, AB40, ptau-181, GFAP, and NFL were measured in plasma using ultrasensitive single-molecule array (Simoa; Quanterix) assays in a sample of 919 cognitively unimpaired participants (mean age 76±5 years, 61% female, 31% Black). Cognitive outcomes included adjudicated dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) ascertained using a neuropsychological battery, functional status questionnaires, and informant interviews across three in-person clinic exams [median follow-up of 6.5 years (IQR:5.8-6.9)]. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated Relative Risk Ratios (RRR) of the four-category outcome of MCI, dementia, and death vs. cognitively unimpaired status for each base(2) log-transformed biomarker separately, adjusted for age, sex, education, site-race, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, APOEε4, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. All blood biomarkers were associated with incident dementia risk [AB42:40 (RRR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.40,0.83); ptau-181:AB42 (RRR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.74,3.30); GFAP (RRR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.22,4.53); NFL (RRR= 1.95, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.94)] and incident MCI risk [AB42:40 (RRR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.62,0.95); ptau-181:AB42 (RRR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.31,1.99); GFAP (RRR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.99,1.56); NFL (RRR= 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.87)]. Blood biomarkers indicative of varying neuropathological processes show potential utility in cognitive risk assessment and disease characterization in Black and White older adults with up to a decade of follow-up.
AD/NEURODEGENERATION BLOOD BIOMARKER ASSOCIATIONS WITH PREVALENT AND INCIDENT MOBILITY AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Windham B Gwen , Blackshear Chad , Sullivan Kevin , Pike James , Walker Keenan , Mosley Thomas , Palta Priya , Griswold Michael
Published: January 2025

Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease pathology (Aβ42, Aβ40, p-tau181) and neurodegeneration (neurofilament light (NFL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) may identify individuals at risk for mobility and cognitive impairment. Among 1751 ARIC study participants at Visit 5 (V5, 2011-13, mean age 76.2 years (5.3), 41% men, 28% Black), usual gait speed and cognitive status were assessed over 8 years at V5, V6 (2016-17), and V7 (2017-18). Impairment outcomes were mobility-only (gait speed <0.8m/s, n=430), cognitive-only (dementia, n=38), dual (n=54), or neither (referent, n=1229). Multinomial regression models examined relative risk ratios (RRR) per higher IQR of V5 log-transformed biomarkers with cross-sectional impairments and, among those with neither impairment at V5, incident impairments or death without impairment (n=168) through V7. All models adjusted for V5 age, sex, self-reported race (Black or White), renal function, and body mass index. Aβ42 was reversed and adjusted for Aβ40 (-Aβ42|40) for consistent directions of associations (higher=worse). Higher biomarkers were associated with greater prevalence of mobility, cognitive, and dual impairments. Incident impairments occurred in mobility-only (n=471), cognitive-only (n=39), and dual domains (n=55). All biomarkers were associated with incident dual impairment: p-tau181 (RRR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.45, 4.44), -Aβ42|40 (RRR=1.66; 1.31, 2.09), NfL (RRR=2.69; 1.22, 5.91) and GFAP (RRR=2.13; 1.07, 4.25). P-tau181, -Aβ42|40, and GFAP were also associated with incident cognitive-only impairment; P-tau181, NFL and GFAP were associated with incident mobility-only impairment. AD-pathology versus neurodegeneration blood biomarkers may help identify older adults at differential risk of functional decline, potentially facilitating earlier targeted interventions to preserve mobility and cognitive outcomes.
ADVANCING HOME MODIFICATION SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH SYNTHESIZING DATA AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Steinman Bernard A , Trudeau Scott , Henke Maria
Published: January 2025

Supportive housing options are a cornerstone to aging in place. Whereas most older people prefer to remain in their homes as they age, challenges associated with aging, including declines in physical health and functioning, often act as barriers to meeting this goal. Additionally, the home’s condition can affect a person’s ability to care for themselves and the ability of caregivers to provide quality care. Home modifications (HM) that increase safety and support daily activities play a key role in helping people stay in their homes and communities. Indeed, evidence-based interventions with HM components have been shown to reduce falls-related accidents, address a range of caregiving needs, and delay or prevent institutionalization–outcomes that otherwise come with high costs to individuals and society. In this symposium we have three aims: 1) to summarize previous research supporting the efficacy of programs with HM components in promoting aging in place via improved safety and access in the home; 2) to present three original studies that incorporated data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to reveal HM use patterns (e.g., whether HMs are implemented proactively in advance of acquiring disability, or reactively in response to acquiring disability); and 3) to introduce a current HM service delivery model, describe its development, and discuss implications and next steps, including how current research findings can inform service delivery strategies in the future.
HEALTH DIMENSIONS AS PREDICTORS OF HOME MODIFICATION IMPLEMENTATION: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF NHATS DATA
Authors: Steinman Bernard A , Yan Mengzhao , Pynoos Jon
Published: January 2025

A significant proportion of older Americans experience chronic conditions, functional impairments, participation limitations, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disabilities that could impact their capacity to live independently in their homes. Home modifications (HM) implemented to promote safety and access can support aging in place by improving environmental fit with health characteristics of older individuals. We conceptualized health dimensions using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to estimate risk profiles for implementing shower/tub and toilet HMs. We analyzed data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) using Cox regression, to examine associations between each ICF health dimension (i.e., personal characteristics, chronic conditions, functional impairments, social participation, ADL and IADL disability) and the probability of community dwelling older adults implementing HMs over a five-year period (2011 to 2015). Results indicated that being older age, married, having more functional impairments, greater social participation, and greater ADL and IADL disabilities are each independently associated with a higher probability of acquiring both types of HM. For example, each additional functional limitation was associated with a 12% increased risk of implementing toilet modifications and a 4% increased risk of implementing shower/tub modifications. Additionally, compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics are less likely to implement either type of HM. Implications of this study are that older individuals choose to implement HMs in response to different need profiles and that some age-related changes may be more impactful in decision making than others.
DO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM REHABILITATION THERAPISTS MOTIVATE OLDER ADULTS TO INSTALL HOME MODIFICATIONS?
Authors: Yan Mengzhao , Steinman Bernard A , Pynoos Jon
Published: January 2025

With the rapid growth of the aging population, private homes have increasingly become an alternative setting for the provision of long-term care (LTC). For many, LTC needs increase during recovery from acute medical events and subsequent rehabilitation services. An estimated 20% of older Americans undergo physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, that can help to promote function and improve their ability to carry out daily activities. Often, rehabilitation therapists may recommend that older adults receiving their services make home modifications (HMs) to facilitate their recovery and improve home accessibility and safety. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent receiving recommendations is associated with decisions by older adults to install HMs. Guided by Andersen’s healthcare utilization model, which assesses factors that lead to the use of health services, we hypothesized that those who received recommendations from rehabilitation therapists would be more likely to modify their homes to accommodate disability. We analyzed data from the most recent round (2022) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the relationship between the recommendation and implementation of shower/tub and toilet HMs. Results indicated that older adults who received recommendations to modify their showers/tubs had 158% higher odds of installing shower/tub HMs, whereas those who received recommendations to modify areas around their toilets had 160% higher odds of installing toilet HMs. Findings suggest that older adults may be especially motivated to implement HM regimens when directed by rehabilitation professionals.
AGEISM EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE: DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS AND RESEARCH APPROACHES
Authors: Chasteen Alison
Published: January 2025

In the over 50 years since ageism was defined, the impact of age prejudice has never been clearer, with the increased expression of age bias both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This symposium aims to highlight the pervasive nature of ageism through a range of methodological approaches, including in-depth interviews, social media scraping, and experimental surveys, to underscore the ubiquity of ageism in contemporary society. We delve into various facets of ageism, exploring its manifestations in ageist group labels, media representations, beauty standards, and even its correlation with suicidal ideation. We also investigate ways to challenge ageist comments through confrontation. Vale assesses the impact of using ageist terms such as ‘elderly’ and ‘senior citizen’ on perceptions of older people. Fraser and colleagues explore online reactions to “The Golden Bachelor,” the first older adult-focused version of the reality tv show. Soulie et al. investigate older women’s responses to ageist beauty norms, including when they accept or resist them. Gendron and colleagues examine the role of internalized ageism in suicidal ideation among older people. Gans et al. test whether reactions to ageism confrontation vary by the intersecting identities (gender and race) of the older adult confronter as well as by the confrontation technique that is used. Altogether, these talks shed light on the multifaceted nature of ageism in North American society and offer valuable insights into strategies for combatting age bias. International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics North American Regional Committee Sponsored Symposium
THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA PORTRAYALS ON AGEISM: A CASE STUDY OF THE GOLDEN BACHELOR
Authors: Fraser Sarah , Menard Alixe , Chasteen Alison , Van Gameren Mateja , Belanger Chris
Published: January 2025

Background: Age-based discrimination or ageism is often propagated through media platforms (TV, news, social media). Focusing on the reality television show “The Golden Bachelor,” which features older adult contestants seeking romance, this study explored ageism spread via social media posts related to the program. Methods: Using social astronomy software we scraped Reddit’s English-language corpus for posts containing “golden bachelor” and extracted a sample of 1000 posts shared between August and September 2023. Qualitative content analysis of these posts revealed four forms of ageism (1) personal, (2) explicit, (3) implicit, and (4) benevolent. Results: Personal ageism emerged through comments devaluing older contestants’ appearance: “Hey at 75 you can go on The Golden Bachelor; wouldn’t that be fun. Wrinkles upon wrinkles…” Explicit ageism was evident in derogatory remarks targeting contestants’ age and limited physical capabilities: “Can the Golden Bachelor still get it up?”. Implicit ageism was discernible in subtle reinforcement of age-related stereotypes: “The guy who’s going to be the Golden Bachelor is 71 and he looks much younger than I remember 71-year-olds looking. He seems like a pretty normal guy.” and benevolent ageism manifested through the infantilization of older contestants: “cute old people love”. Discussion and Implications: While “The Golden Bachelor” may help some understand the capabilities of older adults and counter the misperception of them as asexual, existing ageist stereotypes emerge and are propagated on social media platforms. These findings underscore the pervasive nature of ageism in social media and highlight the importance of addressing age-related biases in media representation.
“JUST DON’T LOOK OLD; THAT’S WHAT’LL KILL YOU”: EXAMINING OLDER WOMEN’S RESPONSE TO AGEIST BEAUTY NORMS
Authors: Soulie Brianna , Barrett Anne , Mimbs Hope
Published: January 2025

Aging beyond youth presents challenges for women, who often struggle to remain visible and valued in an ageist society. Much of the literature has focused on women’s engagement with age-related beauty work, with less attention given to the encounters with ageist beauty norms that motivate it. Studies also have given limited attention to the range of women’s responses to these norms, which can include elements of acceptance or acquiescence, as well as resistance. Our study examines these issues using in-depth interviews with 20 women, ranging in age from 57 to 83. Analyses revealed that ageist beauty norms are woven into women’s everyday interactions, often with co-workers, friends, or acquaintances. Our analyses unpack these norms to reveal the dominant age ideologies they reflect. They center on the assumption that faces and bodies that have aged beyond youth are unattractive and that the morally and practically appropriate response is to engage in beauty work to mask signs of aging. Women differed, however, in how they responded to these pressures, with some engaging in age-related beauty work and others opting out of it. Our analyses revealed that this choice often hinged on women’s perceived security in their social roles – in particular, their employment and marital or partnership statuses. While many studies have examined how women engage in beauty work to remain competitive in the youth-oriented dating and job markets, our analyses revealed how security in these realms can lead women to disengage from beauty work aimed at masking signs of aging.
UNMET COMMUNITY CARE NEEDS AND THE WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA
Authors: Yan Shibin
Published: January 2025

As China has experienced rapid population aging, the demand for elder care services has increased dramatically. The gap in service demand has become concerning because the traditional provision of eldercare heavily relies on informal care provided by the family. Social and demographic transformations have made the family-reliant care model unsustainable. Community care has become a reasonable and practical option to balance the care demand. However, there is a huge gap between community care provision and need. This prevailing unmet needs in community care services necessitated a deeper understanding of its impact on the well-being of older adults. Using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study, we employ fixed-effect regressions to examine the effects of unmet community care needs on older adults’ health status and subjective well-being (SWB), including specific insights on disabled and childless subpopulations. We find a negative association between unmet needs and both health and SWB, with no significant different effect among subpopulations. Interestingly, Its effect on life satisfaction is moderated by place of residence, with a stronger negative impact in urban areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for more equitable and accessible community care services, particularly for urban older adults, to improve their overall well-being.
ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT: ATTITUDES, AFFECT, AND ABILITY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SUBJECTIVE COGNITION
Authors: Bower Emily , Zammitti Melissa , Chenoweth Claudia Jacova
Published: January 2025

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—self-perceived persistent cognitive decline in the absence of objective cognitive impairment—is a risk factor for dementia. Despite the potential for SCD to aid in the detection of future dementia, differentiating trajectories of normative from non-normative decline among people with SCD is complicated for several reasons, including that self-perceived cognition is associated with socioemotional and general health factors in addition to objective abilities. Moreover, operational definitions of self-perceived cognition vary across the research literature and overlap with subjective aging. A robust understanding of the relationships among self-perceived cognition and aging, objective cognition, mood, attitudes, and health will strengthen the characterization and differentiation of SCD. This symposium will explore measures of perceived cognition and describe their relationships with mood, health, and aging attitudes among healthy older adults. The first presenter will describe the differential impacts of negative and positive affect on perceived memory difficulties, highlighting the complex relationships among depression, affective states, and subjective memory decline. The second presenter will expand on these findings by contrasting a measure of subjective memory decline with related measures of subjective memory and subjective age, and explore differential impacts of perceived health and objective memory. The third presenter will focus on perceived cognitive ability more broadly to describe its relationship with attitudes toward aging, depression, and objective cognition. The Discussant will compare and contrast findings with regard to operational definitions of self-perceived cognition and consider implications of the findings as they relate to emerging issues of clinical classification and management of SCD.
AGE TRAJECTORIES OF LYSOPHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINES IN RELATION TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: FINDINGS FROM LLFS
Authors: Arbeev Konstantin , Bagley Olivia , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Cosentino Stephanie , Kulminski Alexander , Stallard Eric , Yashin Anatoliy
Published: January 2025

Lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) are phospholipids involved in apoptosis and demyelination, among other functions. They have been linked to cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration (with potential trade-offs) and explored as early markers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and accelerated aging. However, relationships between longitudinal changes in LPC levels and AD risk remain poorly understood. We applied statistical approaches for joint analyses of longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes, joint models (JM) and stochastic process models (SPM), to study longitudinal dynamics of LPC in relation to AD incidence in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) participants. In total, 4,017 measurements of 23 LPC species in 2,858 LLFS participants from the U.S., who had 93 incident AD cases and up to two LPC measurements per individual, were analyzed. In JM applications, we found sex-specific relationship (for males only) between the dynamics of LPC species and AD incidence in the model adjusted for baseline age, education, smoking, medication use, and two genetic principal components. The strongest association was found for LPC(14:0/0:0) in males (regression coefficient: 0.739, p=2.3e-23). In SPM applications, we demonstrated that various hidden biomarkers of aging, embedded within the model’s structure and indirectly evaluated from individual LPC trajectories and data on AD incidence, significantly contribute to the associations between LPC and AD. We also observed sex differences in ‘optimal’ and ‘equilibrium’ LPC trajectories, as well as in vulnerability to LPC deviations from these trajectories, and in how these relations change with age. Our findings call for further investigation into the biological mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
SLEEP DURATION AND COGNITION IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Gordon Emma , Gu Yian , Cosentino Stephanie , Anderson Stacy , Ukraintseva Svetlana
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies demonstrate associations between sleep and cognition. This study includes a subset of 2344 participants from the Long Life Family Study, a cohort with slower overall rates of cognitive decline, and seeks to examine how sleep and cognition are related in this population. Our neuropsychological battery measured episodic, semantic, and working memory at baseline (2006-2009), and in a subset of 1633 participants at the follow-up visits 6.9 (SD=2.7) years later. Sleep habits were assessed once, using the Health Habits (HH) Questionnaire, between the two cognitive measures. Associations between sleep duration and memory were examined using generalized estimating equations models, accounting for relationship with long-lived families. Compared to those with 6.5-8.5 hours of sleep, those with > 8.5 hours of sleep had lower episodic memory scores at baseline (b=-0.705, p=0.021), but not at follow-up (b=-0.627, p=0.149), after controlling for age, sex, field center, APOE, and generation. Sleep duration was not associated with semantic or working memory. Those who had > 8.5 hours of sleep had faster decline in all memory scores, although not significantly. There was no difference in memory scores comparing < 6.5 hours of sleep to 6.5-8.5 hours of sleep. Lower memory scores at baseline predicted longer sleep time subsequently, while sleep time did not predict memory performance on follow-up. Overall, the current study did not support sleep duration as a significant contributor to memory decline, contradicting some earlier findings in the literature, and prompting further investigation into the connection between sleep and cognition, especially within this population.
HOW CAREGIVERS USE BEST PROGRAMS FOR CAREGIVING TO FIND INTERVENTIONS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES
Authors: Cannon Rachel , Bass David , Minyo Morgan , Powers Sara , Fete Zoe , Huth Megan
Published: January 2025

A new public version of Best Programs for Caregiving (BPC) launched in 2024 to help family and friend caregivers find evidence-based, dementia caregiving support programs that are available to them in their communities. The new version of BPC profiles healthcare and community organizations that are verified delivery sites of the 47 programs that are included in the professional version that launched in 2020. More than 200 organizations were verified to be delivering these programs and completed a survey requesting information about their offering of the program. The new version of BPC displays organization’s information on how caregivers can enroll in the program, types of help the program provides, program costs and eligibility requirements, how the program is delivered, and whether the program has been adapted for diverse groups. Caregivers can access Best Programs for Caregiving at bpc.caregiver.org and use their zip code to search for programs available to them both in-person and online. This presentation provides an overview of the interventions included in Best Programs for Caregiving and the data collection process, including a demonstration of how to use the site to find and compare evidence-based dementia caregiving programs.
PROGRAM ADAPTATIONS FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN BEST PROGRAMS FOR CAREGIVING
Authors: Huth Megan , Powers Sara , Fete Zoe , Cannon Rachel , Minyo Morgan , Bass David
Published: January 2025

To better understand the role of cultural adaptations among evidence-based dementia caregiving programs included on Best Programs for Caregiving (BPC), online surveys were distributed and collected from organizations delivering BPC programs in the community in 2023. Surveys collected data on: 1) Implementation of a culturally adapted program, 2) Diverse groups the program was adapted for, (e.g., racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ groups), and 3) Types of cultural adaptations made (e.g., marketing materials revised, program delivered in language, consultation with diverse group members). Results indicated that 23.2% of organizations delivering BPC programs made adaptations for diverse groups, most commonly: 1) Hispanic/Latino (61.5%), 2) LGBTQ+ (53.8%), 3) Black/African American (46.2%). Among the programs that made adaptations, 100% consulted with group members or experts on the diverse group, 92.8% adapted content for members of the group, 53.8% provided staff training and began delivering the program in the group’s language, and 46.2% created translations of the materials and adapted marketing and outreach tools for the diverse group. The least common adaptation was conducting research to show that the program benefited the diverse groups (25%). These findings show that while a larger than expected number of BPC have made modifications for diverse groups, the majority of programs (76.8%) were not adapted for any diverse community. The discussion will center on the importance of developing culturally adapted programs that better cater to the needs of diverse family and friend caregivers.
USING BEST PROGRAMS FOR CAREGIVING TO MEET THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF GUIDE MODEL SITES AND BENEFICIARIES
Authors: Minyo Morgan , Maslow Katie , Bass David , Cannon Rachel , Fete Zoe , Huth Megan , Powers Sara
Published: January 2025

In 2023, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced a new alternative payment model for comprehensive dementia care called the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. The GUIDE Model is intended to improve quality of life for people living with dementia (GUIDE Beneficiaries) and reduce strain on unpaid caregivers through a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and services, and respite care. Health systems and other medical or community-based organizations that applied and were selected as GUIDE Model Sites must offer specific program components and care deliver requirements to identify services and supports needed by both Guide Beneficiaries and their caregivers. This requires GUIDE Model Sites to potentially add new supports to their dementia care or be able to link Beneficiaries and their caregivers to services that meet the diverse and changing needs of both individuals. The Best Programs for Caregiving (BPC) online database is a valuable resource that can benefit GUIDE Participating Sites and others, ensuring that family/friend caregivers are appropriately recognized and included within Beneficiary’s dementia care. The dementia support programs in BPC meet GUIDE Model care delivery requirements including one-on-one and group caregiver education, care coaching, and ongoing monitoring and support. Additionally, BPC programs have proven positive outcomes for dementia family/friend caregivers, are actively being delivered by organizations across the US, and describe if/how a program has been adapted or delivered to caregivers from diverse communities. BPC’s extensive database can help provide the necessary information for high-quality dementia care under the Guide Model.
NEW APPROACH METHODOLOGIES (NAMS) TO STUDY AGING
Authors: Cogliati Tiziana , Fox Jennifer
Published: January 2025

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) include human-relevant cell-based (in vitro), cell-free (in chemico), and computational-based (in silico) models that are complementary, not a replacement, to existing animal models. This workshop focuses on 3-dimentional (3-D) in vitro human models including tissue chips, organoids, explants, known as microphysiological systems (MPS). The adoption of human in vitro NAMs for basic and translational research is expanding, recently promoted by the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 that authorizes their use to investigate drug safety and efficacy. Extending the use of human in vitro NAMs to the study of aging and the development of geroprotective interventions presents challenges recognized by the research community. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging our knowledge of the biology of aging and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. This interdisciplinary session is designed to educate basic scientists, physician-scientists, clinicians, and a general audience of industry representatives interested in adopting NAMs for aging research. One of the goals is to promote a dialog about the challenges and opportunities posed by human in vitro NAMS and inspire new collaborative research initiatives bringing together basic scientists, bioengineers, physician-scientists and clinicians, and members of other GSA sections. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will be able to: (1) describe the different types of human in vitro NAMs and their applications in basic and translational research; (2) explain the challenges and current solutions to adopting human 3-D in vitro NAMs in research on aging; and (3) discuss how data from 3-D in vitro NAMs and from animal models are complementary.
UNDERSTANDING PRISM ACCEPTANCE THROUGH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE MEASURES
Authors: Rogers Wendy , Mitzner Tracy , Czaja Sara , Boot Walter , Charness Neil
Published: January 2025

Long-term adoption of technology is influenced both by the design of the technology itself as well by the users’ attitudes towards the technology. Technology acceptance models have long indicated that individual differences in perceptions of ease of use and perceptions of usefulness are critical predictors of acceptance and use. Additional predictive factors include perceived enjoyment, facilitating conditions (e.g., instructional materials, social support), demographics (e.g., age, sex) and psychographics (e.g., personality, technology readiness). For PRISM 1.0 and PRISM 2.0 we implemented mixed methods to assess technology acceptance factors. We adapted standard survey measures of technology acceptance that were administered at baseline and after extended system use. We developed an interview that was administered at the end of the study to explore usage patterns, preferences, facilitators and barriers. Data from the technology acceptance assessments from PRISM 1.0 informed redesign decisions for the PRISM 2 system. We will present an overview of the quantitative and qualitative data to illustrate the value of the mixed methods approach and to provide insights about acceptance and adoption of novel technology system to older adults.
EARLY ADOPTION AND LONG-TERM USE: ANALYZING OLDER ADULTS’ USAGE PATTERNS AND PREDICTORS OF PRISM GERMANY
Authors: Memmer Nicole , Schlomann Anna , Wahl Hans-Werner , Radeck Leon
Published: January 2025

This study introduces PRISM-Germany, the German version of the PRISM-App originally developed by North American research consortium CREATE (Czaja et al. 2018), aiming to support social participation among older adults. Addressing the challenge of long-term adherence, we explored changes in app usage over 3 months and identified predictors of use, focusing on socio-demographic and technology-related variables. The analytical sample consisted of 171 community-dwelling adults aged 67–93 (mean age=73.7 years; female=55%) with medium digital competencies as part of the ongoing SMART-AGE complex intervention trial. Usage behavior in PRISM-Germany was assessed through a cloud-based data log procedure, providing real-time recording of individual usage behaviors. A baseline data protocol collected data on relevant predictors via the Redcap online software. Usage analyses indicated that on average 11 out of 32 available categories (e.g. email, video-chat, health information) were accessed in PRISM-Germany per week. A significant decline in average usage over time was observed, ranging from 1st month: m = 15.3 to 2nd month: m = 9.7, and finally to 3rd month: m = 7.5. ANCOVA revealed the decline as robust, controlling for socio-demographic and technology-related variables. At the multivariate level, chronological age, health, general technology acceptance, and previous technology competencies did not predict frequency of use, while female gender, not living alone, and being lower educated did (Adjusted R2 = 0.108). Concluding, 50% reduction in app use across three months as well as the sole predictive role of sociodemographic factors seem remarkable.
COLLABORATIVE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN GERONTOLOGY: AGING GLOBALLY INITIATIVE
Authors: Zecevic Aleksandra , Boström Anne-Marie
Published: January 2025

Population aging is greatly impacting future generations of healthcare providers tasked with improving the healthcare systems they are inheriting. In this presentation, we introduce an innovative example of how students, researchers, educators and community partners from Canada and Scandinavia came together to comparatively explore models of health, social care, and welfare to advance global health. Collaborative international experiential learning in gerontology is an approach that broadens the application of academic theory outside classroom in an international context. It includes authentic reflection, develops transferable skills and strengthens employability. Our network supports future generations of healthcare professionals in becoming global-ready graduates. We highlight a collaborative course called Aging Globally: Lessons from Scandinavia, initiated at Western University, Canada in 2018, and delivered in partnership with OsloMet University (Norway), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and seven non-academic partners, such as Socialstyrelsen and Silviahemmet (Sweden) and Cycling without Age (Denmark). Over the past seven years, the course involved 425 students and 24 professors from Health Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Technology, Science and Design programs. Student outcomes include expended knowledge, cultural competencies, and transferable skills. The course was a catalyst for three curriculum development grants totaling CAD $2 million, enrichment of the curriculum with 57 international internships and 13 exchanges, 12 summer courses, and new research partnerships, lifting international education in gerontology to a new level. Presenters will share experiences, evidence of impact on students, and describe joint efforts to inspire social change and sustainability of improved quality of life and well-being for older adults everywhere.