bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FECAL TRANSPLANT FROM LONG LIVING AMES DWARF MICE ALTERS THE MICROBIOME AND BIOMARKERS OF LIVER HEALTH IN CONTROL MICE
Authors: Ashiqueali Sarah , Hayslip Natalie , Chaudhari Diptaraj , Schneider Augusto , Zhu Xiang , Noureddine Sarah , Yadav Hariom , Masternak Michal
Published: January 2025

Aging is associated with intestinal dysbiosis, a condition characterized by diminished microbial biodiversity and inflammation. This leads to increased vulnerability to extraintestinal manifestations such as autoimmune, metabolic, and neurodegenerative conditions and accelerates mortality. As such, modulation of the gut microbiome is a promising way to extend healthspan. In this study, we explore the effects of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from long-living Ames dwarf donors to their normal littermates, and vice versa, on the recipient gut microbiota and liver transcriptome. Importantly, our previous studies highlight differences between the microbiomes of Ames dwarf relative to their normal siblings, potentially contributing to their extended lifespan and healthspan. Our findings demonstrate that FMT from Ames dwarf mice to normal mice significantly alters the recipient’s gut microbiota, reprograms bacterial metabolic functions related to healthy aging, and changes the liver transcriptome, indicating improved metabolic health. Our liver mRNA sequencing and RT-PCR validation reveals that FMT in normal recipient animals administered dwarf donor stool may contribute to the significant downregulation of p21, Elovl3, and Insig2, genes involved with cellular senescence and liver metabolic pathways. Our data suggest a regulatory axis exists between the gut and liver, highlighting the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies in promoting healthy aging. Future research should validate these findings and study the underlying mechanisms that confer geroprotection.
FROM GEROSCIENCE TO GEROTHERAPEUTICS: KUAKINI CENTER OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FOR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH ON AGING
Authors: Willcox Bradley , Nakagawa Kazuma , Lee Yeonjung , Masaki Kamal , Allsopp Richard
Published: January 2025

The primary aim of the Kuakini HHP Center of Excellence for Translational Research on Aging is to utilize geroscientific principles to improve human healthspan, including pharmacology-based gerotherapeutics. This research leverages an exceptional cohort of 8,006 American men of Japanese and Okinawan ancestry, aged 45-68 years at the baseline exam in 1965. Fourteen comprehensive clinical exams have been conducted. Over 500,000 biological samples and over 900 brains have been collected over six decades. The primary aim of our Center is to translate these largely NIH-funded resources into therapeutic innovations that modify aging’s biological pathways, potentially preventing or alleviating multiple age-related diseases and optimizing human healthspan. Our early-stage investigators have novel, recent data on risk factors for premature cognitive aging. Our research approach, with our biotech collaborators, has also contributed to a data science ecosystem with AI and ML-enabled insights on healthy aging from novel multi-omic studies and aging-related health outcomes from our human aging cohort. Key findings are consistent with the geroscience hypothesis and have identified specific pathways for targeted gerotherapeutic interventions, now in Phase 2 human trials, that may contribute to healthier human aging. This presentation will present the latest findings regarding the specific pathways, the molecular targets, and the gerotherapeutic agents that hold promise to mitigate major aging-related diseases, including sarcopenia and cognitive impairment.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOCANNABINOID RELATED 2-AG SYNTHASES IN DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS
Authors: Price Quentin , Basu Disa , Cai Huaibin
Published: January 2025

We previously linked several loss of function mutations of the enzyme diglycerol lipase beta (DAGLB) to early onset Parkinsonism. Parkinson’s disease is defined as the loss of dopaminergic neruons (DANs) in the substantia nigra compacta (SNC). DAGLB is the main synthase of 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) in nigral DANs. 2-AG from the nigral DANs disinhibits presynaptic inputs such as the GABAergic inputs from the direct spiny projection neurons (dSPNs) of the striatum. However, DAGLA is expressed in nigral DANs as well. We asked ourselves if decreasing the expression fo both DAGLA and DAGLB in the nigral DANs of mice induce motor phenotypes of Parkinson’s disease.
LOSARTAN REJUVENATES SERUM AND HEART METABOLOME OF AGED MICE BY ANGIOTENSIN DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS
Authors: Bene Michael , Marx Ruth , Powell Laura , Ferrucci Luigi , Khadeer Mohammed , Moaddel Ruin , Rudek Michelle , Walston Jeremy
Published: January 2025

Emerging evidence suggests losartan, a selective angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonist, may reduce frailty risk and improve physical function in older adults. Losartan is metabolized to EXP3174 (a potent AT1 antagonist) and EXP3179 (a PPARγ agonist). To elucidate mechanisms through which losartan may reduce frailty and improve physical function we performed targeted metabolomics in serum and heart samples from young (4 months) and aged (24-28 months) mice. Aged mice treated with losartan displayed a global shift towards a more “youthful” serum metabolome (ρ=-0.22, p=0.01) and a stronger “youthful” shift in the heart metabolome (ρ= -0.49, p =3.6e-8), with 71/120 and 74/115 measured metabolites shifting in abundance opposite to age respectively. Serum of AT1KO mice showed no significant metabolomic change but displayed a similar “youthful” shift when treated with losartan, indicating losartan’s effect is AT1 independent. Supporting this, a mediation analysis of serum levels of losartan and EXP3174 revealed serum losartan had a significant correlation to the metabolomic aging signature that was not mediated by EXP3174. In contrast to serum, AT1KO alone shifted the heart metabolome to a more ‘youthful” state suggesting losartan’s effect on the heart may be partially AT1 dependent. Interestingly, AT2KO mice also displayed more “youthful” serum and heart metabolomes, but when treated with losartan produced an interference effect blocking the “youthful” shift seen with either AT2KO or losartan alone. Losartan’s “rejuvenating” effect on serum and heart metabolome was associated with improved survival in WT mice (log-rank, p =0.015) further supporting improvement in aging trajectory.
NO PHONE, MORE STRESS: EXPLORING ANXIETY AS THE MEDIATOR BETWEEN NOMOPHOBIA AND STRESS
Authors: Shaleha Rinanda , Roque Nelson
Published: January 2025

This study (N=567) examines how nomophobia, the fear of being without one’s mobile phone, affects mental health by influencing anxiety and stress. Through regression and mediation analyses with nonparametric bootstrap, we found that anxiety mediates 69.24% of the impact of nomophobia on stress (ACME =.0724, 95% CI [.0568,.09], p <.00001). This substantial mediation underscores the central role of anxiety in the relationship between nomophobia and stress. Analysis by age and gender revealed variable mediation strengths: Young adults of both genders exhibited robust effects, with males showing a mediation proportion of 73.3% (ACME = 0.07424, p <.0001) and females 66.9% (ACME = 0.06940, p <.0001). Middle-aged females demonstrated a particularly high proportion at 88% (ACME = 0.05532, p =.002), contrasted by less pronounced effects in middle-aged males (ACME = 0.02218, p =.196). Older females also displayed significant effects, with a mediation proportion of 82.8% (ACME = 0.09425, p =.004). The observed demographic variations highlight the role of contextual factors such as age and gender in the psychological impacts of nomophobia. These insights are crucial for developing tailored interventions that more effectively counteract the adverse effects of mobile device dependency. Notably, the consistent mediation of stress by anxiety across most groups suggests that strategies focused on reducing anxiety could be particularly effective in managing nomophobia-related stress.
PANDEMIC HARDSHIP AMONG SENIOR LIVING RESIDENTS: WHO WAS MOST VULNERABLE?
Authors: George Mollie , Wilkinson Lindsay , Masters Julie , Boron Julie Blaskewicz
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for older adults. While there has been an abundance of research on the pandemic-related experiences of community-dwelling older adults, little research has examined those in senior living communities (SLCs). This is significant given the restrictions enforced in SLCs to reduce the risk of infection and potential hospitalization or death. The current research aimed to investigate the pandemic-related experiences and correlates of pandemic hardship among those residing in SLCs. Survey data were collected during the pandemic from adults age 60 or older living in a group of SLCs in Nebraska. Most respondents in the analytic sample (n=726; Mage=84, SD=7, range: 60-100; 73% female) resided in independent living (86%). Drawing on descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis, the results revealed a moderate to high amount of pandemic hardship (M=4, scale: 1-6). The most prevalent negative pandemic-related experiences included difficulty visiting family and friends (91% of respondents agreed), missing out on important events (83%), and perceiving little control over their lives (68%). In models accounting for sociodemographic and health characteristics, residents most vulnerable to the hardship of the pandemic were less likely to be never married (ps< 0.05), had lower perceived health (p< 0.05), and scored lower on resilience (p< 0.001). This research reveals the pandemic-related experiences of an understudied population of independent and assisted living residents, including areas of their lives they perceived to be most impacted by social distancing. This can be helpful in identifying vulnerable groups in need of support during times of crisis.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PURPOSE, AND COGNITION: TESTING POSSIBLE MEDIATION PATHWAYS WITH CROSS-LAGGED PANEL ANALYSIS
Authors: Sadeqi Farima , Best Ryan
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies have emphasized the cognitive benefits older adults experience from engaging in regular physical activity. Previous research has largely highlighted the physiological mechanisms of this relationship, like improvements in cardiovascular health and brain structure, but recent work has begun investigating possible psychological pathways. Prior work from the authors supported the hypothesis that purpose in life acts as a mediator between physical activity and cognitive function, though research suggests a bidirectional relationship between physical activity and purpose in life. Given the bidirectional nature of the relationship between these two variables, the current work tests the possibility that physical activity could also act as the mediator in a single model using a structural equation modeling framework. In a sample of 2960 adults aged 33 to 92 collected through two waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, we examined two potential mediation pathways in a cross-lagged panel model where purpose in life mediates the effect of physical activity on cognition and vice versa. Two separate models test mediation pathways on executive functioning and episodic memory. Results show that purpose in life acted as a significant mediator between physical activity and both cognitive abilities (p <.021), while the indirect effects of physical activity between purpose in life and both cognitive abilities were not significant (p >.67). Findings from this study suggest that among physical activities with similar cardiovascular benefits, the one that also nurtures individuals’ purpose in life and boosts psychological well-being should be prioritized.
REDEFINING SUCCESSFUL AGING: INTEGRATING DISABILITY AND THE ROLE OF MODIFIABLE FACTORS
Authors: Khamzina Madina , Mejia Shannon , Rogers Wendy
Published: January 2025

Disability is a common experience in older adulthood, yet traditional models often neglect its role in successful aging. This study integrates disability into the successful aging framework, utilizing subjective well-being and self-rated health as key indicators. We aim to link disability and successful aging and examine modifiable factors that could foster successful aging among individuals with disabilities over time. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using data from two year periods, the 2011 (N=6,440) and 2020 (N=3,220) waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Disabilities related to mobility, hearing, and vision were self-reported. Indicators of successful aging included subjective well-being and self-rated health. Physical activity and social engagement were examined as modifiable protective factors. Moderation analyses tested whether these factors had stronger effects among individuals with disabilities. The prevalence of successful aging among those with disabilities was 40% in 2011 and 38% in 2020. Regression analyses showed that each type of disability was negatively associated with successful aging indicators. Social engagement and physical activity consistently supported successful aging across both time periods. Social engagement was especially beneficial in 2011 for those with mobility, hearing, and multiple disabilities. Findings underscore the importance of recognizing successful aging with disability and highlight the role of modifiable factors like physical activity and social engagement in promoting successful aging. This study supports the inclusion of disability in aging paradigms, emphasizing adaptive strategies for older adults with disabilities.
SELF-CARE AS A FORTITUDE FACTOR AGAINST COMPASSION FATIGUE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19
Authors: Scott Cathy , Shi Junrong , Samuel Linda
Published: January 2025

Gerontology practitioners did not receive the national attention as others, but they were on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic caring for older adults, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. They helped older adults manage health complications, isolation and navigate limited services. This mixed-methods study examined self-care among gerontology practitioners. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 gerontological practitioners. The thematic content analysis demonstrated the overall well-being of gerontology practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic including fear, physical exhaustion, and anxiety coupled with an unsupportive workplace are associated with compassion fatigue. Gerontology practitioners described spiritual/faith practices, leisure activities, and the support of family as self-care activities that sustained them and contributed to their constancy while serving older adults. Quantitative data were collected using an online survey. The statistical analysis with a small sample (N= 37) showed that gerontological practitioners engaged in self-care activities (M=31.9, SD=4.83, range=22-41), measured by a 10-item Likert-scale (Cronbach alpha=0.60). They showed a medium level of compassion fatigue (M=29.7, SD=7.86, range:16-45), measured by a 10-item Likert-scale (Cronbach alpha=0.88). The linear regression showed a strong negative correlation between self-care and compassionate fatigue (b=-0.8, p< 0.01) controlling for age, race, professional field, and years of working with older people (gender is not included with only two males). Findings suggest self-care as a protective factor against compassion fatigue and the need for increased administrative support/resources, communication, and recognition of the psychological impact on clients and practitioners, especially for agencies working with chronic and terminally ill clients during crisis situations.
SEROTONIN DEFICIENCY FROM CONSTITUTIVE SKN-1 ACTIVATION DRIVES PATHOGEN APATHY
Authors: Weathers Brandy , Nair Tripti , Curran Sean , Nhan James , Sthur Nicole
Published: January 2025

When an organism encounters a pathogen, the host innate immune system activates to defend against pathogen colonization and toxic xenobiotics produced. In humans, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a critical regulator in innate immune responses under stress; it regulates gene expression in response to the oxidative stress induced by pathogens and is activated within innate immunity cells in response to pathogenic stress. Caenorhabditis elegans activate defense responses to ensure survival upon exposure to pathogens, including activation of the cytoprotective transcription factor SKN-1, a homolog of human Nrf2. SKN-1 directs homeostasis against cellular stress, including pathogenic stress. Exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) revealed that animals with constitutive activation of SKN-1 develop an apathy-like behavior towards the pathogenic bacteria. Though wild-type C. elegans adapt to avoid pathogens, animals with constitutive SKN-1 activation choose not to leave while continuing to feed on the pathogen. This behavior is mediated by tissue-specific actions of SKN-1 that initiate cell non-autonomous outcomes for pathogen avoidance, survival, and metabolic adaptation. Remarkably, although animals with SKN-1 activation are initially apathetic to leaving behaviors associated with PA14 exposure, treatment with exogenous serotonin significantly reduces this phenotype. SKN-1 activation in neurons and intestinal tissues triggers a distinct transcriptional defect in serotonin signaling from both neurons and non-neuronal tissues, and a significant reduction of serotonin production. This altered signaling is the driving force behind the pathogen apathy behavior observed. Taken together, this work defines the role(s) of the SKN-1-serotonin-immunomodulatory pathway in organismal health and aging and in pathogen defenses.
SERUM PTAU181/NEUROFILAMENT LIGHT ELEVATIONS CORRELATE WITH OPIOID USE AND FECUNDITY IN A PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC
Authors: Hanson Emily , Berner Karl , Berner Jon
Published: January 2025

Chart review of initial N=73 cohort screening for dementia risk revealed expected positive control with age across standard ATN measures. All ATN measures were independent of insulin sensitivity (insulin/BMI) Amyloid ratio was uncorrelated with ptau181/Nfl. Broad chart review revealed a divergence between amyloid and tau serum markers: tau associates with opioid use (r. 259, p. 01) and increased fecundity (r. 215, p. 079) while adverse amyloid ratio associates with decreased fecundity (r. -0.223, p.067) and absent statistical association with opioid use. This data is consistent with previous CSF studies documenting elevated ptau181 and TNFa in patients with pain. These results have implications for patient stratification and treatment selection. Granular psychosexual histories may provide an assay for the biochemical tradeoffs associated with harem vs. monogamous mating strategies, obviously implicated the current size disparities in human males vs. females. Ptau 181 elevations associated with a pain behavioral phenotype and CSF elevations of TNFa direct attention to prophylactic medications with known efficacy in human neurogenic pain likely associated with equilibrium distributions of the “M1-like” and “M2-like” microglia: ketamine, rapamycin, and dimethylfumarate. Acute cortisol challenge may also provide useful clinical information regarding the potentially post- translational equilibrium distribution, opaque to RNAseek in autopsy specimens, of the “M2c- like” microglia vs. the IL-4 dependent “M2a-like” microglia.
SEX AS A BIOLOGICAL VARIABLE IN CARDIAC AGING: CORRELATIONS AMONG ECHOCARDIOGRAM, FRAILTY, AND ANESTHESIA RECOVERY
Authors: Marquez Grecia Garcia , Pham Thuy , Cieslik Katarzyna , Taffet George
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular dysfunctions are associated with advanced age. By 2050, the number of people older than 65 will triple. With this increased number of older individuals, it becomes crucial to understand how different organs respond to aging and if the processes are different between men and women. If so, then we need sex-specific approaches to extend patients’ healthspan and lifespan through effective management and treatment strategies. We and others have found sex-specific distinct cellular responses in cardiac aging in mice. In this study, we examined the correlation between anesthesia recovery time, frailty index, and cardiac parameters obtained by echocardiography and Doppler imaging performed under 1.5% isoflurane anesthesia in 25-month-old mice. Post-anesthesia recovery time and the frailty index (involving recordings of 24 different parameters) are markers of “whole body resilience”. Using matrix analysis with non-parametric Spearman correlation with two-tailed p values, we found notable differences between sexes. In males, a strong correlation was observed between diastolic parameters, anesthesia recovery time, and frailty index. In females, the correlation was strongest for systolic parameters. These findings suggest that anesthesia recovery time and frailty index are associated with different cardiac parameters in older male and female mice, underscoring the implications of cardiovascular aging differing between sexes and highlighting the importance of consideration of sex as a biological variable (SABV) in geroscience research.
SHARING THE CARE: SOCIAL MEDIA USE FOR SELF-DISCLOSURE IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Kohl Gianna , Scior Katrina , Charlesworth Georgina
Published: January 2025

Family caregivers of people with dementia often face unique challenges in their caregiving role, including the complex task of sharing their caregiving experiences and identity with their social networks. Social media platforms provide a valuable avenue for self-disclosure of stigmatized identities such as dementia, enabling access to support. This study explores the patterns and purposes of self-disclosure by family caregivers of people with dementia on social media. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 323 respondents, aged 20 to 86 (M = 59.2, SD = 12.34), of whom 78% were female. Among the whole sample, 255 (79%) reported using social media, with 66% of them using it daily. Facebook was the most frequently used platform (81%), followed by Twitter (42%) and Instagram (33%). Of the social media users, 121 (47%) also posted dementia-related content. Content analysis of open-ended questions revealed that these caregivers use social media to share their dementia caregiving journey, including providing insights into the lives and experiences of the person they support, while also engaging in awareness raising and mutual support activities with other caregivers. The findings show that social media is an important resource for family caregivers of people with dementia, facilitating the sharing of personal experiences, building support networks, and engaging in advocacy. The high rate of regular use underscores its value in navigating caregiving experiences and challenges. Healthcare professionals and organizations should leverage these platforms to offer targeted support, while future research should explore how social media can be integrated into support strategies.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND PAIN ON DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Wu YingHua , Hougaard Benjamin , Cáceres Bárbara Gómez , Kiefer Jamie , Gomez Rowena
Published: January 2025

Pain is associated with depression and sleep disturbance in older adults (OAs), including those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; Cao et al., 2019; Tsai et al., 2021). However, limited research examines how various sleep disturbances moderate the relationship between pain and depression in OAs and those with and without AD. From the Health and Retirement Study, the sample included 15,512 OAs without AD (59% female; Mage = 69.28; SDage = 10.81) and 211 OAs with Alzheimer’s disease (64.9% female; Mage = 81.15; SDage = 9.82). Depression was measured based on 14 questions about depressive symptoms corresponding with criteria A of major depressive episode. Pain was assessed by two survey questions about present pain and severity. The severity of different sleep disturbances was also assessed. Custom ANOVAs indicated that trouble waking up too early (p <.001), trouble falling asleep (p <.001), trouble waking up during the night (p <.001), and feeling rested in the morning (p <.001) significantly moderated the effect of pain on depression severity in OAs without AD. However, the moderation was not significant in OAs with AD, though there was a main effect of trouble falling asleep, feeling rested in the morning, and pain on depression. Interventions aimed at improving specific aspects of sleep may help mitigate the effects of pain on depression severity in OAs without AD. The absence of this moderation in OAs with AD still suggests the impact of sleep disturbance and pain on depression.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ASSOCIATED WITH 30-DAY REHOSPITALIZATION BY USING DISCHARGE SUMMARIES
Authors: Kang Youjeong , Lu Jiaying
Published: January 2025

Background

There has been increasing interest in the use of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in cardiovascular disease outcomes by reducing health disparities. For example, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require the hospitals reporting five SDOH components (housing, intimate partner violence, utilities, food insecurity and transportation insecurity) in 2025. There is limited evidence which SDOH components are associated with 30-day rehospitalization in HF patients who were in the ICU. Objective: To assess associations between the SDOH and 30-day rehospitalization in HF patients who were in the ICU by using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) data.

Methods

We identified HF patients by using ICD-9 codes related to HF from the MIMIC-III data that is de-identified and is publicly available. We used python to extract SDOH features from discharge summaries and used Chi-square statistical test (whether or not keyword is contained in discharge summaries vs whether or not HF patients have 30-day hospital rehospitalization).

Results

Mean age was 71 (± 14.2), 53% were male, and 73% were white. In particular, keyword “daughter” contributes to the 30-day rehospsitalization. It is unclear how daughter contributes 30-day rehospitalization but “daughter can be one of the SDOH components as social support.

Conclusion

It is difficult to identify how “daughter” is related to 30-day rehospitalization. We will utilize natural language processing models to analyzing the real-world social meaning of SDOH keywords to understand the correlation (e.g. the “daughter” reflecting patients have daughter accompany or other status).
SYMPTOM OVERLAP BETWEEN SLEEP DISORDER AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Oladimeji Abolade , O’Donnell Kari , Gunzler Douglas , Berg Kristen , Einstadter Douglas , Pfoh Elizabeth , Dalton Jarrod , Perzynski Adam
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The PHQ-9, a common screening tool for depression, asks about sleep and fatigue. An under-recognized concern is the overlap between sleep and fatigue depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances. We investigated whether elevated depression screening scores were due to sleep disorders rather than depression itself in older adults.

Methods

The study cohort included 2,257 adults (65+) with at least two outpatient primary care visits and at least one Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, who initially screened positive on the PHQ-2 (≥2) and completed the PHQ-9. A multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) analysis was used to examine differential item functioning of the sleep and fatigue items of the PHQ-9, attributable to sleep disorders, based on diagnosis codes.

Results

The MIMIC analysis revealed a positive association between sleep disorders and depression (β = 0.19, p < 0.001), and a small positive effect on the “feeling tired” fatigue item of the PHQ-9 (β = 0.06, p < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between sleep disorders and the PHQ-9 “sleep” item. The model exhibited a good fit, with RMSEA=0.040 (90% CI: 0.034-0.047), CFI=0.99, TLI=0.99, and SRMR=0.04.

Discussion

Sleep disorders and depressive symptoms are associated but no meaningful differential item functioning was detected in this sample of older adults. The PHQ-9 is an adequate screening tool for depression in older adults with sleep disorders.
SYNCHRONIZED ACTIVITIES PROMOTE POSITIVE SENTIMENTS OF YOUNGER ADULTS TOWARDS OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Sarah , Liao Hsiao-Wen
Published: January 2025

Studies have shown that younger adults often hold negative perceptions toward older adults, which can compromise intergenerational relationships and social harmony. The present study centers on interpersonal synchrony as a potential intervening venue. It adopted a pre- and post-test experimental design to test whether synchronous activities, specifically synchronous walking, promote positive sentiments of younger adults toward older adults. Components essential for forming positive interpersonal relationships regarding impression, perceived self-other closeness, connectedness, prosociality, and conversation engagement were examined. Participants (N = 51; 64.7% female) first completed a battery of questionnaires online assessing background information. After a few days, they were paired up with an older confederate and engaged in tasks. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions (i.e., synchronous walking, asynchronous walking, and no walking) and completed standard questionnaires assessing their sentiments toward the older confederate throughout experiments. A series of one-way repeated measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test of independence were conducted. Results revealed that synchronous walking significantly enhanced participants’ impressions, perceived self-other closeness, connectedness, and prosocial attitudes and behavior toward their older partner compared to asynchronous and no walking. The results remained significant when a set of individual difference factors was considered. This study extends past research on interpersonal synchrony to the context of aging. It sheds light on intervention practices for improving young people’s sentiment and behavior toward older adults, promoting intergenerational relationships.
THE HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE: A RURAL-URBAN COMPARISON IN KOREA
Authors: Choi Mi Sun , Lee Hyunmin
Published: January 2025

Aging in place (AIP) has emerged as a pivotal focus of welfare policies for the aging population in Korea, with health being a crucial determinant of AIP success. Regional variations can significantly impact the health of older adults who choose to remain in their communities. This study aims to elucidate the differences in factors affecting the health of older adults who continue to reside in their communities between urban and rural areas. Utilizing the ecological model of aging and the push and pull framework, we performed a multiple regression analysis on data from 647 older adults (aged 65 and above) from the Korean Welfare Panel Study, all of whom have lived in the same residence since the first wave in 2006. The analysis identified that, for both urban (n=342) and rural (n=305) older adults, work ability, levels of depression, and housing satisfaction significantly affect subjective health status. Specifically, for urban residents, male gender, higher income, compliance with minimum housing standards, and fewer outpatient visits were positively associated with health perception. The results show differences in health characteristics between urban and rural AIP older adults. In urban settings, both subjective perceptions and the physical housing environment play substantial roles in health, whereas, in rural areas, subjective perceptions are more pronounced. To promote health equity among AIP older adults, urban areas may benefit from targeted housing improvement initiatives, whereas enhancing the living environment in rural communities is essential for supporting the well-being of the aging population in these areas.
THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF BRAIN CONNECTIVITY ON DUAL-TASK PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Manning John , Yentes Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Neural connections between the prefrontal cortex and the striatum, known as cortico-striatal (CSTR) connections, are important in both cognitive tasks and gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of CSTR resting-state functional connectivity in the relationship between dual-tasking and gait in older adults. We made two primary hypotheses: 1) set shifting dual-task would exert a significant direct effect on gait measures and 2) task would exert a significant indirect effect on gait through CSTR functional connectivity. Five older adults completed a set shifting task where a letter-number combination (e.g. B7) was presented and subjects verbalized the number if the background was orange, or the letter if the background was blue, while standing and walking (dual-task). Later, fMRI was collected and CONN toolbox was used to calculate CSTR. A mediation analysis was performed with task as the exposure variable, CSTR as the mediator variable, and dual-task performance as the outcome variable. Results of the simple linear regression indicate no relationship between dual-task and gait (β=-0.03, p=0.62). Results of the mediation analysis indicate there is not a significant indirect effect of dual-task on gait through CSTR connectivity (i.e.=-0.024, p=0.77). This provides foundational knowledge on how these neural connections may or may not be directly related to dual-task performance during a set-shifting dual-task, which is an important step in understanding how these methods could be used for identifying early warning signs of neurodegeneration. Data collection is ongoing and updated results will be presented at the conference.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGING PERCEPTIONS AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mcvey Ava , Phillips Christine , Ross Lesley
Published: January 2025

Maintaining cognition is critical to overall health and independence. While behavioral predictors (e.g., cognitive engagement, social engagement, physical activity) of cognition well-established in research, the relationship of one’s perceptions of aging and cognition have been less thoroughly investigated. The current study cross-sectionally explored the relationships between self-perceptions of aging (SPA; including awareness of age-related change and expectations regarding aging) and cognition, including performance-based measures of executive function (Matrix Reasoning, Letter/Number Switching, Digit Symbol, Trails A & B, Visual Paired Associates) and self-reported cognition (Cognitive Self Report Questionnaire). Participants (n=334) included community dwelling older adults from the: Elucidating the Necessary Active Components of Training (ENACT) and Everyday Function Intervention Trials (E-FIT) studies. A series of four multivariate linear regressions were conducted, one for each facet of SPA and both executive function and self-reported cognition. Results found that neither awareness of age-related change nor expectations regarding aging predicted performance-based executive functioning. However, both awareness of age-related change (β =.65, p <.001, 95% CI [.29,1.03]) and expectations regarding aging (β =.17, p <.001, 95% CI [.11,.23]) predicted self-reported cognition. The current study addresses a gap in understanding how different facets of SPA may associate with different aspects of cognition (executive functioning and self-reported cognition). Results suggest that SPA do not correlate with objective executive functioning performance in this sample. However, one’s perception of the aging process may give insight into how they perceive their own current cognitive abilities, which can be an important indicator of well-being.
UNVEILING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL ISOLATION AND SLEEP DISTURBANCES AMONG LATINX OLDER WOMEN AND MEN
Authors: Giorgio Luciana , da Scherf Erick Luz , Ruggiano Nicole
Published: January 2025

Background

Sleep disturbances are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and neurodegenerative conditions. Aging involves physiologic changes associated with increased sleep disturbances, however, sociocultural stressors, such as social isolation, can exacerbate these disturbances. Although Latinx older adults are more likely to experience social isolation and poorer sleep than their non-Latinx White counterparts, they remain underrepresented in sleep health research. We examined the association between social isolation and sleep disturbances and explored gender differences in this relationship.

Methods

We used data from Latinx older adults participating in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study (n=323). We conducted weighted linear regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographics and selected health conditions to examine the relationship between social isolation and sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances were measured using the Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale(WHIIRS). Social isolation was assessed using validated loneliness and social support scales. Gender differences were examined using cross-products.

Results

Most participants were women (54.30%), immigrants (97.56%), Cuban (40.33%), and Spanish-speaking (86.00%). Participants reported mean loneliness of 1.44(SD=1.66) and social support of 26.40(SD=6.68). Average WHIIRS scores were 7.53(SD=5.68). Increasing loneliness was associated with a 0.48-point increase in WHIIRS (β=0.48, SE=0.24, p=0.04) in adjusted models. Gender was not a significant moderator in this relationship. Social support was not significantly associated with WHIIRS.

Conclusions

Loneliness was a robust predictor of sleep disturbances among Latinx older adults. Psychological and community-level interventions aimed at increasing social connection may improve sleep, thus reducing the burden of health conditions in this population.
USING COMPANION CARE TO ADDRESS THE DUAL BURDEN OF LONELINESS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
Authors: McNamara Kelsey , Meadows Jill Bongiorni , Smith Brian
Published: January 2025

Chronic illness is a risk factor for loneliness. Concurrently, loneliness can increase the risk of and exacerbate chronic conditions, especially among older adults. Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) are benefits that can be offered to qualifying Medicare Advantage members to improve health and function. This study’s objective was to evaluate the impact of a companion care program, designed to address loneliness and lack of social support, on SSBCI recipients’ quality of life. Members received companion care through their health plan and were paired with “Papa Pals” for companionship and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living. Members were assessed at enrollment and ≥8 weeks later for loneliness (UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale, Range: 3-9, =3 “not lonely”, 4-6 “lonely”, 7-9 “severely lonely”) and health-related quality of life (CDC’s Healthy Days Measure, Range: 0-30 days). Change in outcomes were analyzed using the one-sample t-test. Analysis included 531 SSBCI recipients who were lonely at baseline, used companion care any time between 2021-2023, and completed a reassessment. Average age was 74, 63% were female. Average baseline values: 5.7 loneliness score, 9.6 mentally unhealthy days, 14.1 physically unhealthy days. On average, outcomes improved: -0.99 loneliness score, -1.4 mentally unhealthy days, -1.6 physically unhealthy days. In regards to loneliness score, 66% of members improved, 13% maintained, 22% regressed. Our results indicate companion care can significantly improve loneliness among a population experiencing a high burden of physical and emotional stress; research should continue to evaluate scalable interventions to address loneliness among this population.
1. ENGAGEMENT: A PRIORITY NEED IN CARE TRANSITIONS EXPERIENCED BY OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS
Authors: Regan Claire , Hirschman Karen , Harding Rachel , McHugh Molly , Osokpo Onome , McCauley Kathleen , Shaid Elizabeth , Naylor Mary
Published: January 2025

Care transitions are a vulnerable time for older adults, particularly transitions from hospital to home. The Transitional Care Model (TCM) is designed to support older adults and their informal caregivers during this period, consistently demonstrating improvements in health outcomes while lowering care costs. This multi-component, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-led, team-based care intervention was recently implemented in a large-scale RCT in three U.S. healthcare systems (9/2020-3/2023). Content analysis of APRN intervention documentation for 480 patients revealed key barriers to delivering the TCM as designed. The lack of patient and/or informal caregiver engagement theme was the most common documented challenge (231/480, 48.1%), higher than issues of complexity of care (166/480, 34.6%) and social determinants of health (SDOH, 138/480, 22.8%). The lack of engagement theme was most often identified as a patient issue (197/231, 85.3%) or patient and caregiver issue (23/231, 10.0%). Subcategories included limited participation in care, patient refusal of services, and lack of adherence to plan of care (e.g. lifestyle changes, medication management and motivation). Lack of engagement was complicated by the complexity of care and/or SDOH (101/231, 43.7%). These findings demonstrate the challenges of patient engagement in the presence of complexity of care and SDOH within transitional care and how difficult engagement of patients and caregivers can be to achieve. Future research is needed to understand the factors contributing to and mediating lack of engagement as well as this challenge’s impact on health outcomes. Addressing this knowledge gap will inform the design of more effective transitional care interventions.
A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF DOMAIN-SPECIFIC CHANGES IN PROMIS® SELF-EFFICACY AND PREDICTORS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Authors: Kim Haesung , Shulman Lisa , Magder Laurence , Schumacher John , Unick George , Shakya Sunita , Gruber-Baldini Ann
Published: January 2025

Background

There is limited research on the magnitude and predictors of longitudinal changes in Self-Efficacy (SE) among Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe longitudinal changes in Patient-Related Outcomes Measurement Information System -SE (PROMIS-SE®): managing daily activities (SEM-DA), emotions (SEM-E), medications and treatments (SEM-MT), social interactions (SEM-SO), and symptoms (SEM-S) and examine predictors of changes in PD.

Methods

A longitudinal analysis was conducted on 239 PD patients using two-time points (3years±180days). Baseline predictors included age, sex, race, education, PD duration, PD severity, medical comorbidities, and cognitive ability. Student T-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient examined the relationship between PROMIS-SE domains and predictors of changes.

Results

SE decreased by more than 5 T-score units (0.5SD) across all domains [Mean±SD: SEM-DA (-6.13±8.66), SEM-E (-5.32±10.49), SEM-MT (-7.2±10.11), SEM-SO (-5.69±9.96), and SEM-S (-5.18±10.25)]. Significant larger mean declines (p<.05) were associated among older age (age< 65 vs. 65+) in SEM-E (-3.84 vs. -6.53) and SEM-MT (-5.63 vs. -8.47), higher cognition (MoCA< 26 vs.26+) in SEM-E (-1.54 vs. -7.30), SEM-SO (-3.22 vs. -7.03), and SEM-S (-3.17 vs. -6.58), and higher education (no college vs. college) in SEM-SO (-2.10 vs. -6.00). Change in UPDRS total score correlated with change in SEM-S (r=-0.26, p<.05).

Conclusions

Over three years, PD patients experienced significant SE changes across all domains, with the greatest decline in SE for managing medical treatments. Greater declines in SE were associated with older age, higher cognition, and higher education. This may indicate a higher sensitivity of the SE measure to change among those with higher cognition and education.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESILIENCE IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF AUTISTIC ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
Authors: Chakurian Daphne , Popejoy Lori
Published: January 2025

Family caregivers (FCGs) of autistic adults provide lifelong care and experience chronic stress, stigma, and social isolation, placing them at risk of poor health, quality of life, and well-being. Resilience, stress, and coping research have primarily been limited to FCGs of autistic children with inconsistent use of theory, definition, and measurement. This systematic review aimed to examine resilience in FCGs of autistic adults. Guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Comprehensive searches of 10 databases identified 1,935 records. Risk of bias was appraised using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guide. Nineteen studies meeting inclusion criteria were included in the narrative analysis and were mapped to the conceptual model. Designs were cross-sectional and phenomenological. We found that higher FCG quality of life and well-being was associated with increased problem and meaning-focused coping, social support, future planning, and less perceived burden and stigma. A variety of FCG and autistic adult person and environment factors provided context for the stress and coping process. Social support and coping strategies were key to FCG resilience outcomes and may inform clinical guidelines and policy development. Research is warranted to examine social support, coping strategy, future planning, and perceived burden and stigma as modifiable factors to enhance FCG resilience. The use of well-defined theoretical constructs and measures could facilitate future systematic reviews, as well as contribute to clinical guidelines and policy development.
AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTHCARE: AN EVOLUTIONARY CONCEPT ANALYSIS
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Fraiman Paule Sarah , Rayan-Gharra Nosaiba , Danial-Saad Alexandra , Segel-Karpas Dikla , Ost-Mor Sharon , Keisari Shoshi
Published: January 2025

Current global aging trends emphasize the need to adapt healthcare systems to address older adults’ specific needs. Numerous age-friendly healthcare initiatives and approaches have emerged, but the field lacks a unified framework. The current study used Rodger’s evolutionary concept analysis model to explore ‘age-friendly healthcare’, examining the concept’s characteristics, components and structure. An initial literature search in multiple databases to identify articles relevant to age-friendly healthcare retrieved 1,407 articles. After screening for duplicates and relevance, 140 articles were examined for eligibility based on inclusion criteria related to age-friendly care, language, and full-text availability. Following full-text screening, 65 articles were included for data extraction by multiple researchers to synthesize theoretical, methodological and design elements. We identified similar terms, related cases, antecedents and consequences of age-friendly healthcare, as well as distinguishing attributes: Respect for older adults’ autonomy and needs; Leadership and organizational knowledge and support; Proactive policies and processes of care; Holistic care environments; and Communication and follow-up with awareness of challenges and barriers as well as prioritization of continuity-of-care. An overarching definition was crafted based on these findings. The concept of age-friendly healthcare is still in development, with much research focused on development and implementation but not yet on real-world patient and health-system outcomes. However, our proposed definition and analysis of the concept may help unify the field, clarify future research directions, and identify areas requiring further study. It may also enable development of improved practices and policies for the implementation of age-friendly healthcare in a variety of settings.