bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADJUDICATION PILOT STUDY OF CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Diallo Habibatou , Murabito Joanne , Newman Anne B , Perls Thomas T , Ives Diane , Honig Larry
Published: November 2019

Background: Death certificate inaccuracy increases at older ages. The Long Life Family Study (LLFS) utilizes a physician adjudication committee to review the death certificate, medical records and a family narrative about cause of death. We report here the adjudication process and the prevalent underlying causes of death for a subsample of those who have died so far. Methods: We first describe the adjudication process. There were ~1,250 deaths in LLFS. We report underlying causes of death for a subset of proband generation subjects enrolled and evaluated by two LLFS study centers. Results: As of May 2019, we have adjudicated 190 deaths (98 male, 92 female) . Mean age 95 years (range 81-105 years). Top 5 causes of death for men: cancer (13%), coronary heart disease (CHD, 13%), dementia (13%), "other" (11%) and "unknown" (9%) and for women: dementia (21%), valvular heart disease (14%), coronary heart disease (12%), unknown (12%) and other (9%). Rate of death due to dementia was greater in women compared to men (CHI2 =7.33, p=0.006). Conclusions: In this pilot study, a significantly greater proportion of women died due to dementia compared to men. At least some portion of this difference may be due to the observation that women are known to survive chronic aging-related diseases more than men and thus have a greater opportunity to die from dementia at advanced ages. An additional cause to consider includes clinicians’ gender bias in ascribing diagnoses in the medical records that were relied upon as part of the adjudication process.
HARNESSING VOICE-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY AND IN-HOME SENSORS TO MANAGE OLDER ADULT HEALTH: A USER PREFERENCE STUDY
Authors: Robinson Erin L , Park Geunhye , Shalini Shradha , Levins Trevor , Lane Kari R , Skubic Marjorie , Markway Brianna
Published: November 2019

In recent years voice-assisted technologies, such as the Amazon Echo Show and Google Home, have been harnessed to help older adults manage their health. However, little is known about the use of such technologies in combination with in-home sensor systems to help older adults age in place. Therefore, this research explored user preferences of older adults and a designated family member/friend in using voice-assisted technologies to retrieve in-home sensor-generated health information, such as fall risk and other early indicators of health changes. Seventeen dyad interviews were conducted with known pairs of older adults (Mean age=75; 56% female) and a family member/friend (Mean age=64; 89% female). Participants were given a description of the technology and its capabilities, and then were instructed to interact with each device using a prepared scenario. Participants asked each device health-related questions to elicit pre-programmed information for the respective scenarios and provided user experience feedback for each device. At the end of the interview, participants completed a speech recognition test for each device and a technology acceptance survey. Overall acceptance of the technology was high, and participants believed that using voice-assisted technologies to retrieve sensor-generated health information would be beneficial in managing their health or providing care to a family member/friend. However, advantages and disadvantages exist with each device and the Google Home generally performed better on the speech recognition test for each dyad pair. These findings provide valuable insight about older adults’ preferences (as well as family members’/friends) in using voice-assisted technologies to manage their health.
EXAMINING THE ROLE OF ADVERSITY AND POSITIVE LIFE EVENTS IN THE RELATION BETWEEN GRATITUDE AND WELL-BEING
Authors: Staben Omar E , Infurna Frank , Grimm Kevin , Luthar Suniya
Published: November 2019

Character strengths are emerging as a key outcome of interest in midlife and old age. One key avenue that has been largely unexplored is what the key antecedents are and the moderating role of adversity and positive life events experiences. The limited current research on the topic has examined the direct relations among character strengths and well-being, whereas less is known regarding the role of negative and positive experiences, which may provide a better understanding of what contributes to character strengths. This study explores whether major life adversities (i.e. personal, family, work related) and positive life events (i.e. job promotion, engagement, vacations) experiences are associated with character strengths— namely gratitude, and well-being. We use data from a sample of participants in midlife (n=362, ages 50-65) who completed monthly online surveys for a period of two years. Multilevel models showed that greater adversity was associated with poorer well-being, whereas positive life events were predictive of higher overall well-being. Individuals’ experience of fewer positive life events was associated with stronger increases in well-being when individuals expressed more gratitude. Conversely, adversity was associated with increasing well-being when individuals expressed more gratitude. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for the role of adversity and positive life experiences to the extent that character strengths have the potential to shape the course of development in adulthood. Our discussion focuses on the potential links that underlie our findings and how they can inform interventions aimed at mitigating the consequences of adversity.
UNDERSTANDING ACCEPTANCE OF HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY BY OLDER ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ADOPTION
Authors: Harris Maurita T , Rogers Wendy A
Published: November 2019

Healthcare Technology (HCT) can support older adults as it is not uncommon for them to be managing one or more chronic diseases at a time. Thus, understanding older adults’ willingness to use HCTs can guide introduction of new technologies to help with their health management. The purpose of the research is to understand what influential factors emerged when older adults considered using new HCTs and how well current models of technology acceptance represented these factors. Twenty-three older adults (age 65-84) with hypertension completed a semi-structured interview to gain insight into these factors. During the interview, participants were first presented with a scenario to imagine and one of three HCTs (blood pressure monitor, electronic pillbox, and multifunctional healthcare robot) to consider. The qualitative coding identified: (a) facilitators: perceived advantages, easy to use, familiar, useful, and advice acceptance from a healthcare provider; (b) barriers: good for others, not good for me, disadvantages, and unfamiliar; and (c) transition factors that can lead to acceptance: with advice acceptance from a healthcare provider. These findings provide recommendations which can inform dissemination of new HCTs. Recommendations include: highlight the facilitators when introducing new HCT, understand the barriers and transition factors to give support where needed, and include the care network (i.e., people knowledgeable about the HTC and health conditions) to recommend the technology.
IMPROVING THE MEASUREMENT OF EXERCISE SELF-EFFICACY TO INFORM INNOVATIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENTS
Authors: Bamonti Patricia , Harris Rebekah , Moye Jennifer , Doherty Kelly , Bean Jonathan
Published: November 2019

Exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is a consistent determinant of exercise behavior but barriers to ESE remain unexplored in medically-complex older adults. This study explored 1) concordance between Physical Therapist’s (PT’s) and patients’ rating of their confidence to exercise; and 2) Whether patient demographic and clinical variables (e.g., depression) were related to confidence ratings. Data were collected as part of a clinical demonstration project, “Live Long Walk Strong,” a PT intervention to prevent mobility decline. Patients (N=35) had a mean age of 78.26 +/- 11.12, were 86% male, 80% White, and manifested an average of 5.63+/-1.96) chronic conditions. They had an average of 3.46+/-5.00, falls in the previous year and a mean M=4.97 (SD=2.96), Geriatric Depression Scale score of 4.97+/-2.96. Patients and PT’s rated exercise confidence (1= not at all to 5 = extremely). Participants’ and PT’s confidence ratings of the patient were highest for exercise in the clinic, followed by at home, and continuing after PT, and were moderately correlated (r = .41-.52, p < .001). PT confidence was associated with younger age (r =.48, p < .001) and lower depression (r = -.35, p = < .05), whereas these variables were not significantly associated with patient confidence. In qualitative analysis patients cite barriers to exercise: (1) physical health such as pain, fatigue, balance/previous falls, weakness; (2) memory and cognition; (3) time; (4) past experiences with PT; (5) poor social support; (6) low self-efficacy. In sum, older adults and PT’s generally agree in their confidence ratings, but barriers to ESE differ.
EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: DOES GENDER MATTER?
Authors: Beaulieu Celeste , Stokes Jeffrey E
Published: November 2019

Previous research has suggested that informal socializing can be beneficial for mental health, whereas prior findings concerning solitary activities and mental health have been equivocal. Activity theory posits that involvement in activities – particularly social activities – can improve adults’ self-concept and self-esteem, leading to improved well-being. Solitary activities may perform the same function, though without any social reinforcement. However, social engagement and mental health may both vary by gender. Thus, we examined associations of informal socializing and solitary activities with depressive symptoms among 13,387 respondents of the 2012/2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, and further assessed potential gender differences. Results revealed that both informal socializing and solitary activities were significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms when analyzed separately. However, when both types of activities were modeled simultaneously, only informal socializing remained significant. Further, stratified analyses revealed that informal socializing was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms among women but not men, although these coefficients were not significantly different from each other. Overall, findings suggest that both informal socializing and solitary activities may be beneficial for mental health, yet results were clearly stronger for informal socializing. Socializing may benefit mental health not only by bolstering one’s self-concept, but also by linking adults with social ties and support networks that are instrumental for well-being in mid- and later life. Moreover, gender differences in effects were minimal and largely non-significant, indicating that activity involvement can bolster mental health for men and women alike.
PREDICTORS OF MEDICAL, SOCIAL SERVICE, AND MENTAL HEALTH USE AMONG PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: Shrestha Srijana , Amspoker Amber , Evans Tracy L , Stanely Melinda , Freshour Jessica , Richey Sheila , Kunik Mark E
Published: November 2019

People with Alzheimer’s disease use more medical services (Eaker et al., 2002) and are admitted to inpatient facilities at higher rates (Zhu et al., 2015) than normal controls. In addition, social services provide support for caregivers and are associated with positive outcomes for care-recipients and their caregivers (Neville, Beattle, Fielding, & MacAndrew, 2014). Despite high level of need, utilization of mental health services and social agencies for caregiver support remains low (Goodarzi, Mele, Roberts & Holroyd-Leduc, 2017; Weber, Pirraglia & Kunik, 2011). Following the Andersen and Newman model (1973), we examined whether predisposing factors (i.e., age of the caregiver and type of PWD-caregiver relationship), needs (i.e., memory impairment, disruptive behaviors, depression, anxiety, pain, functional impairment, caregiver burden, total number of prescribed medications), and enabling factors (i.e., PWD and caregiver income, quality of the PWD-caregiver relationship) differentially predicted the presence of medical, social, and mental health service use. A total of 228 dyads (PWD and the caregiver) were included. We examined each PWD and caregiver characteristic individually (univariate models) and then as a unique predictor of each of the three service use outcomes (multivariate models). A greater number of medications uniquely predicted higher medical service use, greater pain severity and PWD income were uniquely associated with higher social service use, and a greater number of medications and increased memory impairment predicted more mental health service use. These results show that distinct factors predict use of different types of service use among PWD and their caregivers.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Bergren Stephanie M , Dong Gabriella
Published: November 2019

Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p<.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p<.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p<.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIANT C2639T IS AN APOE4 RESILIENCE FACTOR
Authors: Miller Brendan , Kim Su Jeong , Wan Junxiang , Mehta Hemal H , Yen Kelvin , Cohen Pinchas
Published: November 2019

The APOE4 allele is the greatest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, yet select APOE4 carriers remain cognitively intact and become centenarians due to unclear reasons. In order to identify resilience genes for APOE4 carriers, we (1) sequenced whole mitochondrial DNA in a centenarian cohort, (2) searched for differentially expressed genes in the temporal cortex of APOE4 carriers, and (3) experimentally simulated the effects of a novel mitochondrial DNA variant that confers APOE4 resilience. The mitochondrial DNA variant, C2639T, is highly enriched in centenarians and APOE4 carriers, which changes the third amino acid of the mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin from proline to serine (humanin P3S). In addition, APOE4 carriers differentially expressed 127 genes in the humanin genetic network that map back to mitochondrial function. Therefore, we experimentally characterized the relationship between humanin, centenarian-enriched humanin P3S, and APOE. We found that humanin is a novel APOE binding partner, humanin P3S binds APOE nearly 15 times greater than wild type humanin, and humanin P3S modifies the APOE4 metabolic profile.
ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS IN CHINA: PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Authors: Chen Chen , Yue Liu , Mi Hong
Published: November 2019

With acceleration of the ageing population globally, more and more governments are concerned about the potential increase in elder abuse and neglect (EA/N). Recently the National Office for Ageing and the provincial offices for ageing conducted a survey of 224,352 Chinese over the age of 60 years using household interviews to assess economy, health, service, social participation, culture, rights protection, livable environment, etc. Author’s analysis of this data shows that 54% of the elderly people interviewed experienced physical and mental abuse or intimidation, and 6.95% of them felt that their legal rights were violated. Data also supports that the occurrence of EA/N was significantly correlated to self-care ability, economic status, and urban and rural regions of the elders. The researcher will discuss the practice and policy implications for the prevention of EA/N.
A MUSIC AND MINDFULNESS INTERVENTION FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: Risal Punam G , Dobbs Debra J , Lee Soomi , Bugos Jennifer , Ahamed Sheikh I , Monaco William , Patterson William , Meng Hongdao
Published: November 2019

The number of older adults with Alzheimer’s Dementia is projected to increase by 28.6% in Florida by 2025. Cost-effective non-pharmacological interventions targeting both persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers (FCs) are urgently needed. This small pilot study tested the feasibility of a music and mindfulness intervention in an assisted living community (ALC) in Tampa, FL. Methods: We used a mixed-methods single group pre-post study design. To date, a total of 5 PWD and 3 FCs were enrolled, and all completed the 4-week intervention (12 sessions for PWD and 4 sessions for FCs). Outcome measures include behavioral symptoms and sleep quality for PWD, and mindfulness, sleep quality and perceived stress for FCs. Outcome data were collected via survey questionnaires and focus group interviews (FCs and staff). Results: Preliminary analysis showed that the intervention is well-received by PWD, FCs, and ALC staff. PWD participants experienced a reduction in behavioral symptoms post-intervention (Cohen’s d=0.33). FC participants reported increased mindfulness and reduced stress. In focus group interviews, both FCs and staff corroborated the positive findings in residents’ mood and behaviors. Barriers to large scale implementation include intervention time commitment (ALC staff) and scheduling difficulties due to work (FCs). Both FCs and ALC staff recommended the continuation of the intervention and making it available to all memory care residents. Based on the initial results, additional testing of the intervention is currently in progress (10 PWD) and updated results will be reported. Implications for conducting community-based non-pharmacological interventions will be discussed.
AGING DIMINISHES THE DIRECT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BRAIN ACTIVATION AND POSTURAL CONTROL DURING THE N-BACK TASK
Authors: Jor'dan Azizah J , Iloputaife Ikechukwu , Manor Brad
Published: November 2019

Aging diminishes the control of standing posture, which relies upon the capacity to activate brain regions involved in cognitive-motor function. Our prior work shows that impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in response to the N-Back executive function task is linked to worse walking performance in older adults. However, the effects of aging on the relationship between CBF regulation and postural control during the N-Back task is unknown. Sixteen young (27 years) and 15 older participants (76 years) stood upright and completed the N-Back (i.e., control [Identify X, IdX] and an experimental condition [2-Back]) presented on a screen while CBF and postural sway were simultaneously recorded. CBF was recorded using transcranial Doppler. Sway was recorded using a lumbar motion sensor. Elliptical area, root mean square (RMS), distance, velocity, and acceleration were computed. There were no group differences in sway outcomes (p>0.37). Young participants had higher CBF during the IdX and 2-Back compared to older participants (p<0.001). Within the young, and not within older participants, those with lower CBF during performance of the 2-Back exhibited greater elliptical area (β=-0.67, p=0.03) and RMS (β=-0.68, p=0.03), faster acceleration (β=-0.78, p=0.02), and longer distance (β=-0.64, p=0.04). There were no associations between CBF and sway outcomes in either group during the IdX. These results suggest that dual-task sway performance is directly linked to CBF in younger adults, and furthermore, this link is diminished in older adults. These results underpin the need for cognitive-motor interventions in older adults.
UP-REGULATION OF LONG NON-CODING RNA MORBID ATTENUATES SENESCENCE
Authors: Kuai Zheng , Chen Meiting , yu yang , Yang Fan , Zhang chunxiang
Published: November 2019

Aging is the inevitable, irreversible decline in function on the cellular and organ level leading to increased incidence of the most frequent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, that occurs over time. whereas the molecular mechanisms of senescence remain largely unknown. Here we identified that a novel long noncoding RNA, Morrbid was significantly decreased in different organs of aged mice, such as heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain. Interestingly, the telomeres length of Morrbid KO mice were significantly shorted than the WT mice at the same age. We also found that Morrbid was steeply decreased in a natural mouse cardiac myocyte senescence model. The senescence of mouse cardiac myocytes was effectively attenuated by Morrbid over-expression shown by the decreased β-galactosidase staining, increased telomere activity, decreased production of ROS and decreased cell apoptosis, but was enhanced by Morrbid knockdown. The results suggest that Morrbid is a critical regulator in senescence and could be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker for it, and a new therapeutic target for diverse diseases.
SPOUSAL DRIVING CESSATION AND VOLUNTEERING: MODERATING ROLE OF CAREGIVING AND DEPRESSION
Authors: Curl Angela L , Proulx Christine M , Cooney Teresa M
Published: November 2019

Driving cessation is a normative transition in later adulthood, yet previous research shows that having a spouse who ceases to drive, even when you are still able to, negatively impacts one’s own engagement (i.e., formal and informal volunteering). Little is known about the conditions under which volunteer engagement might vary after a spouse stops driving. We used longitudinal data from 10 waves (1998–2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine whether depressive symptoms and caregiving demands moderate the association between a spouse’s driving cessation and one’s own formal and informal volunteering. Respondents were included if, at baseline, both spouses participated in HRS, both were age 65+, and both were still driving. Respondents were dropped at the time of their own driving cessation, to focus specifically on the impact of spousal driving cessation. Multilevel model results for 1,370 husbands and 1,368 wives show that moderation occurred only for wives who were still driving. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, physical health, and cognitive ability, husbands’ driving cessation negatively impacted formal volunteering but only for wives who were primary ADL and IADL caregivers for their spouses. Further, husbands’ driving cessation negatively impacted informal volunteering for wives who reported relatively high levels of depressive symptoms. Results suggest the importance of contextual factors like caregiving engagement/needs and psychological wellbeing, especially for wives, when examining the role of spousal driving cessation in partners’ volunteer engagement, and highlight the need for additional research on the relationship between spousal driving cessation and volunteering for husbands.
AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING AND HEALTH AMONG LOW-INCOME OLDER IMMIGRANTS: THE ROLE OF SERVICE USES
Authors: Baek Jihye , Shin Oejin , Park Sojung , Kim BoRin , Ryu Byeongju
Published: November 2019

Older immigrants in affordable senior housing face a unique set of challenges due to their demographic, social, economic, and cultural diversity. Existing knowledge about health among this unique but increasing aging subgroup population is extremely limited. Focusing on older immigrants subgroups (Asian and Russian older adults) in affordable senior housing in St.Louis, MO, this study aimed to examine to what extent different ethnic minority elders’ health varies by their uses of services available in the housing. Data came from the survey interviews at a subsidized independent senior housing in St. Louis (n=136). Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to examine ethnic differences in self-rated health and the role of services for the health of low-income ethnic minor elders in senior housing. Compared to the non-immigrants (White/African older adults), Asian (b=0.67, p<.05) and Russian residents (b=0.89, p<.05) were likely to have lower self-rated health. Interestingly, for both ethnic groups, they report a better self-rated health when they use supportive daily service (i.e. e.g. meal delivery, transportation, housekeeping and others) (b= -0.84, p<.05 for Asian, b=- 0.90, p<.05.for Russian) and social service (e.g. recreational, wellness, and exercise programs) (b= -0.73, p<.05 for Asian, b=- 0.83, p<.05.for Russian). Our findings point to an important role of services for the health of low-income ethnic minor elders in senior housing. As the first attempt to examine services that explicitly focus on ethnic minority elders, our study provides meaningful implications for future research on the health and service needs for older immigrant populations in senior housing.
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF A PLASMA FRACTION ON NEUROGENESIS FOR AGE-RELATED COGNITIVE DISORDERS
Authors: Gallager Ian , Kheifets Viktoria , Minami S Sakura , Czirr Eva , lohr scott , huber nina , Campbell meghan , Braithwaite Steven P
Published: November 2019

The process of aging is multifactorial and therefore single interventions may be unlikely to attenuate the myriad pathologies. Plasma contains many beneficial factors which have been shown in animal models to ameliorate multiple age-related deficits across varied organ systems, including the brain. We demonstrated that human plasma from young 18-22-year-old donors reverses age-related cognitive decline and enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and cell survival in aged immunocompromised mice, while plasma from aged individuals (62-68 years old) has detrimental effects in young mice. Utilizing cell-based assays we identified a human plasma fraction (PF) which enhanced neuronal outgrowth and synaptic connectivity. We demonstrate that PF administration provides benefits beyond those observed with whole plasma treatment, resulting in decreased brain inflammation, increased synaptic density and neuronal activation. We evaluated longitudinal treatment of PF and observed no depletion in stem cell populations while maintaining an enhanced level of neurogenesis. We examined PF in an α-synuclein mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, where treatment significantly reversed functional, inflammatory, and neuronal deficits. To further our understanding of interplay between multiple mechanisms inducing neurogenesis, we examined the effect of exercise on PF treated mice and observed a synergistic increase in neurogenesis. Proteomic analysis of mouse plasma following PF treatment demonstrates differential protein levels compared to running or the combination of running and PF, suggesting that PF is mechanistically different from the effect of running. In summary, we demonstrate that PF is a multifactorial and multimodal, clinically-relevant, intervention for the treatment of global changes induced by aging.
HIGH RUMINATION AND LOW AMINO ACIDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Alwerdt Jessie , Tian Yuan , Patterson Andrew D , Sliwinski Martin
Published: November 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasing epidemic worldwide. Identifying modifiable behaviors that intersect with the association between MetS and associated metabolites could result in alternative methods to prevent those at risk for MetS. Here we investigate the moderation of ruminating thought processes between metabolites and MetS. Rumination has been linked to exacerbating the physiological response of stress and increasing the risk for poor health outcomes, such as hypertension. Data consisted of 180 middle-aged adults from Bronx, NY. MetS was calculated based on the NIH guidelines using waist, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, blood pressure, and glucose. Using NMR-based metabolomics, 26 serum metabolites were obtained. The Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire measured rumination of thoughts. Interactions between rumination and each metabolite were conducted with logistic regressions (e.g., Valinexrumination). Overall, significant moderation occurred with the greatest effect involving different levels of phenylalanine, betaine, creatine, and isoleucine with higher rumination in relation to the increased probability for MetS. The greatest risk for MetS was in those who were high ruminators and had low values of these AAs. Therefore, within those who are high ruminators, an increase in these AAs may be beneficial in improving the risk for MetS. Further, in those who are low ruminators, minimal moderation occurred. AAs disturbance has been linked with MetS in past studies, as well as in mental health. These results suggest that ways of handling thoughts that are intertwined with everyday stress may exacerbate these associations and could benefit with modification.
DOES THE NEWS MEDIA FOSTER A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF NEWS ARTICLES
Authors: Zhao Erfei
Published: November 2019

The media has become increasingly more agenda-driven and politically biased in recent years. This research explores whether the major news outlets fosters an environment of negative sentiment towards the older adult population over a 4-year-period from 2016-2019. The paper uses a content analysis approach. 199 news articles that include keywords such as "older adults", "seniors" or "elderly" are randomly selected among those published in the first week of March in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 from the online archives. Main attitudes towards the older adults are extracted and categorized. In the 4-year span, regression analysis shows that negative attitudes are apolitical and are found in almost two-thirds (64%) of the 199 news articles in both liberal and conservative news outlets, suggesting that the current media creates a ubiquitously hostile environment for older adults. However, more liberal news outlets tend to produce more articles with positive messages about the older adults (p<0.05), and more conservative news outlets tend to create more content that reinforces negative stereotypes of older adults as being vulnerable and less productive (p<0.01). The high percentage of negative attitudes and the ubiquitous negative attitudes in news organizations, in spite of their political leaning, suggests that the media environment has some influence on the news content. Political biases of the organization are associated to numbers of articles with positive messages and negative stereotyping. Promoting professional development and self-regulating mechanisms in journalism could aid in reducing ageism perpetuated in the media.
BLOOD PRESSURE TRENDS PRECEDING DEMENTIA: A STUDY OF HEART FAILURE PATIENTS
Authors: Wilson Connor , Pangle Amanda , Wei Jeanne , Azhar Gohar
Published: November 2019

Blood pressure and perfusion of the brain are central components of neurological health that are often influenced by heart failure. This retrospective case-control study analyzed blood pressure changes preceding the diagnosis of dementia in patients over the age of 60. Blood pressures were obtained from the date of dementia diagnosis, and then one year and five years before diagnosis. Study “controls” were age-matched patients without dementia, using the mean age of dementia diagnosis as the first data point. Over the five-year period preceding diagnosis, 67.2% with dementia showed decreasing systolic pressure compared to 46.6% of patients without dementia. Similarly, 62.7% with dementia showed a decreasing systolic pressure over the one-year period, compared to 50.0% of those without dementia. Additionally, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the dementia rates between African American and Caucasian subgroups (55.0% African Americans vs. 31.0% Caucasians). Patients with dementia were more likely to have decreasing blood pressure trends than age-matched patients without dementia and appeared to have significantly lower blood pressures one year before the diagnosis. It is crucial that providers are cognizant of these trends and risk factors for dementia as they manage blood pressures in geriatric patients.
TAU-INDUCED ASTROCYTE SENESCENCE: A NOVEL MECHANISM FOR NEURONAL DYSFUNCTION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Olson Angela , Hussong Stacy A , Kayed Rakez , Galvan Veronica
Published: November 2019

Chronic sterile inflammation is a pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms that drive neuroinflammation and its impact on AD progression are still incompletely understood. The accumulation of molecular damage in somatic cells can trigger cellular senescence, an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest accompanied by the expression of proinflammatory mediators known collectively as the “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP). Misfolded tau forms pathogenic soluble aggregates that are released extracellularly and are transmitted trans-neuronally, promoting native tau phosphorylation and aggregation in target cells. We recently showed that, in addition to neurons, pathogenic soluble extracellular tau aggregates propagate to brain microvascular endothelial cells, where microtubule destabilization triggers senescence/SASP. Because astrocytes have a critical role in the regulation of both synaptic function and cerebral blood flow and are directly exposed to tau at its site of release at the tripartite synapse, we conducted studies to define whether soluble aggregated tau propagates to astrocytes, inducing astrocyte senescence/SASP and neuronal dysfunction/damage. Our studies indicate that tau can be propagated transcellularly to astrocytes, triggering cellular senescence/SASP. Our studies suggest that astrocyte senescence is detrimental to dendritic and synaptic structure and density, suggesting that pathogenic soluble tau-induced astrocyte senescence may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and loss in AD. Drugs that eliminate senescent cells are FDA-approved and antibody-based approaches to remove tau from brain are already in clinical trials. Our studies suggest that these interventions could be effective in the treatment of AD and other tauopathies.
THE HEALTHY AGING INDEX AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MORTALITY IN OLDER MEXICAN AND EUROPEAN AMERICANS
Authors: Ganapathy Vinutha , Jacob Mini E , Short Meghan I , Gonzales Mitzi M , Barrera Claudia Satizabal , Seshadri Sudha , Wang Chen-pin , Hazuda Helen P
Published: November 2019

Mexican Americans (MA) have higher morbidity compared to European Americans (EA); however, the mortality rate remains lower (Hispanic Paradox). The Healthy Aging Index (HAI) captures clinical and subclinical morbidity in older adults and is useful in examining ethnic differences in mortality for a given disease burden. We assessed the association between baseline HAI and all-cause mortality over 12 years of follow-up among older MAs (n=394) and EAs (n=355) in the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA) and examined differences between ethnic groups. HAI incorporates non-invasive measures (systolic blood pressure, forced vital capacity, creatinine, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Mini-Mental State Exam). Missing baseline data for HAI components and covariates were imputed using multiple imputations. Proteinuria was used instead of creatinine due to non-availability. Scores of 0, 1, 2 were given from lowest to highest tertile HAI categories; diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, and renal failure were included in the highest tertiles. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the association between HAI and mortality, adjusting for confounders. After adjusting for age, gender, education, income, BMI, smoking and ethnicity, HAI was independently associated with mortality (HR 1.25 (1.16-1.35), p-value <0.0001). We found no interaction effect between HAI and ethnicity on mortality ((p-value for interaction = 0.78). In the SALSA sample, HAI is a predictor of mortality after adjusting for confounders in both MAs and EAs. The absence of a significant HAI*ethnicity interaction effect further demonstrated that HAI works equally well as a predictor of mortality in both MAs and EAs.
HEART FAILURE, ARRHYTHMIAS AND DEMENTIA IN THE “OLDEST OLD” OF SOUTH CENTRAL UNITED STATES
Authors: Duke Brandon , Azhar Gohar , Pangle Amanda , Mendiratta Priya , Wei Jeanne
Published: November 2019

Heart failure and dementia are common age-related conditions. Heart failure and associated comorbidities of hypertension and arrhythmias may impact cognition. Retrospective data of 311 patients averaging 98 (±3.2) years who received treatment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences were analyzed for diagnoses, prescribed medications and health conditions relevant to heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias and dementia. 74% of the subjects were white, non-Hispanic, 24% were African American, and 2% were of unknown ethnicity. 83% were women and 17% were men. Only 251 (81%) of the reviewed charts had blood pressures recorded, of whom 43% (n=114) had systolic pressures >140mmHg. Furthermore, 50% (n=156) of patients had heart failure, and 29% (n=89) had dementia. Of those with dementia, 35% had an arrhythmia. For those without a diagnosis of dementia or any treatment for dementia, 25% had an arrhythmia. Heart failure and arrhythmias have not been well studied as an etiological factor for dementias. In our cohort, the presence of heart failure diagnoses was not different in those with dementia versus those without dementia. However, more patients with dementia had arrhythmias versus those without dementia, suggesting that arrhythmias may contribute to cognitive decline, even in the oldest old. Approximately 70% of the arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation. We did not have data on the management of these arrhythmias and whether anticoagulants were being used appropriately, especially for atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless this highlights the importance of close management of arrhythmias for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
EXPLORING OLDER ADULTS’ EXPERIENCES IN CARE TRANSITIONS
Authors: Zamora Flora Vieira , Silver Michelle , Berta Whitney , Nelson Michelle , Hamilton Angela
Published: November 2019

Older adults are Canada’s largest growing demographic. Later adulthood is frequently accompanied by increased comorbidities, resulting in more people living with chronic conditions for longer portions of their lives and requiring care across multiple settings. These individuals are also the most susceptible to challenges within health care systems, especially during vulnerable times such as care transitions, which can be challenging due to issues of care integration and coordination. A scoping review was conducted to explore the experiences of older adults transitioning through various levels of care. The main themes found included personal realizations, social connectedness, importance of navigating the system and recommendations for the future. During care transitions, older adults must carefully consider their personal circumstances and limitations and often accept a new baseline, thus, adapting their lives and activities to match possible limitations. Older adults indicate the need for strong social networks, accessible and available services, as well as effective communication, information, education and engagement during care transitions. Issues with care transitions can be exacerbated in smaller communities, where resources and services may be limited. As such, this scoping review is the foundation for an ongoing systematic review which aims to summarize what is known about care transitions for older adults living in small and rural communities. By better understanding the different interacting factors that might influence care transitions for older adults living in small communities, important and sustainable changes can be identified and implemented to ensure that care transitions for older adults are safe, positive and empowering.
COMPENSATION EFFECT OF MORTALITY: A CHALLENGE TO LIFE EXTENSION
Authors: Gavrilova Natalia S , Gavrilov Leonid
Published: November 2019

In order to develop genuine anti-aging interventions it is important to find the best estimate of the aging rate in humans, which is often measured as a slope parameter of the Gompertz law. The compensation effect of mortality (CEM), refers to mortality convergence, when higher values for the slope parameter are compensated by lower values of the intercept parameter (initial mortality) in different populations of a given species. The age of this convergence point is called the "species-specific life span". Due to CEM, factors associated with life span extension are usually accompanied by paradoxical increase in actuarial aging rate. We evaluated the stability of CEM by analyzing the United Nations abridged life tables for 241 countries and regions and estimating parameters of the Gompertz-Makeham model using method of non-linear regression in the age interval 30-80 years. We found that the species-specific lifespan is equal to 94.5 ± 0.5 years, which is the same as reported in the past for years before the 1960s: 95 ± 3 years (Gavrilov, Gavrilova, 1991). Thus, the convergence point of CEM is stable despite significant mortality decline over past 50 years and is not affected by factors decreasing mortality at younger ages. Populations deviating from CEM with apparently slow aging (with both slow actuarial aging rate and low intercept parameter) have been identified. The existence of CEM in mice (ITP data) allowed us to find interventions that are able to both extend lifespan and slow the actuarial aging rate giving promise for radical life extension.
EXPANDING BENEVOLENT AGEISM: MEASURING EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sublett Jennifer F , Bisconti Toni L
Published: November 2019

Benevolent ageism has recently been recognized as a form of patronizing treatment that older adults experience because of the kind and incompetent age stereotype proposed by the Stereotype Content Model. However, there is limited research that examines older adults’ experiences with patronizing treatment. The aim of this study was to conceptualize benevolent ageism based on older adults’ experiences with items from an existing measure of ageism, the Ambivalent Ageism Scale, and additional items created by us that expand the measurement of benevolent ageist behaviors. In an internet-based sample of older adults who were 65 years old and older (N =135), the benevolent subscale of the Ambivalent Ageism Scale with our additional 10 items demonstrated excellent reliability (α = .90). An exploratory factor analysis cleanly yielded a 4-factor solution that mirrored previous findings, (1) hostile ageism, (2) unwanted help, (3) cognitive assistance/protection, while introducing a new factor of (4) condescending endearment. The findings from this study have widened the scope with which ageism is viewed by examining older adults’ experiences with ageism and conceptualizing characteristics of benevolence that older adults may face due to the widespread belief that they are kind and incompetent. The validation of a scale measuring individuals’ experiences with ageism will provide insight as to whether older adults experience ageist behaviors that people report endorsing and if older adults receive unnecessary offers of help. A recipient’s perspective of ageism will aid in the understanding of the insidious and benevolent characteristics of ageism within society.
EXPERIENCES WITH SHARED DECISION-MAKING AND ADVANCED CARE PLANNING AMONG OLDER SPANISH-SPEAKING LATINOS
Authors: Castellon-Lopez Yelba M , Ryan Gery , Duru O Kenrik , Moreno Gerardo
Published: November 2019

Advance care planning (ACP) helps individuals clarify their values and preferences for future care, and to communicate their wishes to loved ones, surrogate decision-makers and healthcare providers in advance of when they become unable to make healthcare decisions. Older Spanish-speaking Latino adults have among the lowest rates of advance directives a form of ACP. Shared decision-making (SDM) interventions have significantly improved outcomes for disadvantaged patients. SDM has proven to be particularly beneficial in ethnic minority populations with low literacy and low socioeconomic status groups. The aim of this study was to pilot an online SDM module delivered in Spanish to better understand experiences with ACP among older Spanish-speaking Latino adults. We recruited a sample of older Latino adults ages 56-81 who were low-income and primarily Spanish-speaking (N=20). Sixty-five percent of the sample was female. Participants were asked to complete an SDM module delivered by a physician to discuss ACP. The online module was developed by Healthwise © a national leader in SDM. Qualitative interviews were conducted to examine experiences with SDM and ACP. SDM improved awareness about ACP options and facilitated conversations with family members among participants. Results from the study demonstrated a four-step process for engaging participants in ACP including: Awareness, Initial conversations, Conversations with medical provider, and Formalizing. Interviews informed opportunities for culturally tailored interventions along different points on the continuum. This study highlights important opportunities to better understand the process-based steps and targeted interventions needed to address disparities in ACP among Spanish-speaking low-income Latinos.