bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BOTH HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND PATIENTS HARBOR MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT DEMENTIA
Authors: Mehegan Laura , Parkes David
Published: December 2022

Healthcare providers underestimate the willingness of adults to engage in a healthier lifestyle to potentially slow the progress of the disease and the willingness of patients to participate in research. Few adults recognize the impact lifestyle modifications have on the risk for cognitive decline and dementia, but some significant differences exists among perceptions amongst diverse communities. While most adults are willing to modify selected brain-healthy behaviors, relatively few currently engage in brain-healthy behaviors all or most of the time. Numerous discrepancies exist between the realities of dementia and overall feelings about a diagnosis. Among the more startling findings is 48% of adults believe they will likely have dementia — far more than will actually develop it. Health care providers substantially overestimate the worry that adults age 40 and older would feel if they had dementia. While one in five adults (19%) said they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, a staggering seven in 10 providers (69%) said their patients would feel ashamed or embarrassed. These negative perceptions by healthcare providers carry over into the interactions they have with patients when dealing with cognitive function. Nine in 10 adults age 40 and older (91%) want to be told of a dementia diagnosis, but only 78% of providers said they always tell patients the truth. There is a recognition by everyone that early diagnosis is beneficial, but most adults over 40 are not aware there are treatments available for dementia. More than half of adults do not know that dementia cannot be cured.
THE RELATION BETWEEN DEATH PREPARATION AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: You Suha , Kim Giyeon
Published: December 2022

Objectives

There is a growing interest in death preparation as an important process to achieve ego integrity at the last stage of life. However, in South Korea, conversations about death remain taboo especially with older adults. Thus, this study aims to examine the association between preparation for one’s death and life satisfaction among Korean older adults.

Methods

Data for this study were drawn from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. The sample was limited to adults aged 65 and older (N=10,097). The survey measured preparation for death, life satisfaction, and various covariates (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics, physical conditions, psychological conditions). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine whether death preparation influences life satisfaction among Korean older adults.

Results

Results from hierarchical multiple regression showed that after adjusting for covariates, those who reported more preparations for death mentally (B=.054, p<.001) and materially (B=.035, p<.001) were more likely to have greater satisfaction in life than their counterparts.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that it is necessary to generate proper information and recognition about death at the government level and activate discourses on death preparation in later life.
PHYSICIANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA CHAMPION CHANGE, PROVIDE HOPE AND REFUTE STIGMA
Authors: Beresh Arnold , Roberts Brenda , Cooper Lisa Dedden
Published: December 2022

This section of the symposium will show how to empower behavior change amongst the medical profession and the people they serve. Health care professionals who were diagnosing and treating dementia patients who are now themselves living with dementia will share insights into what needs to change by sharing “What I Wish I Knew Then.” We have asked three people from the National Council of Dementia Minds to join us for the symposium. Dr. Arnold Beresh, Brenda Roberts, and Lisa Cooper to speak on What I Wish I Knew Then. This part of the presentation is designed to provoke discussion on how best to engage doctors to support better brain health for older adults in the future.
SUBTYPES OF FRAILTY AND NONFRAIL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT OF DISABILITY PREVENTION PROGRAM: LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei , Chiu Wan-Yu , Mao Hui-Fen , Chang Ling-Hui , Wu Shwu-Chong
Published: December 2022

Frailty has become a public health priority in many advanced countries. However, the effects of national implemented intervention remained unclear. Taiwan implemented a disability prevention program nationwide targeting on people aged 65 and over in 2019. We aimed to identify the subtypes of function outcomes of the national disability prevention programs and compare the different outcome subtypes between frail and non-frail older adults. The current study analyzed participants’ outcomes before and after the program. Two years of data (2019-2020) from the national disability program were used for analysis. Among the participants, 622 were frail (3.8%), and 13084 are non-frail (81.3%). Outcomes were nine domains of Kihon checklist assessed, including nutrition, depressive mood, oral function, fall risk, cognitive function, socialization, independent function, mobility and health knowledge. Latent Class Analysis is used to identify the subtypes of classes in frailty and non-frail older adults. Four classes of outcomes subtypes for frail and non-frail older adults were identified, and both of them have groups of multi-aspect improvement and no improvement groups. The other two classes for frail people were cognitive and independent function improvement group and social and fall risk improvement group, whereas non-frail group had independent function improvement group, and independent and mobility function improvement group. The similar groups identified indicated both frail and non-frail can benefited and not benefited from the program. The two different subtypes identified benefited from the program. Further study investigating the characteristic of people in different outcome subtypes may shed some light for future tailored-made disability prevention.
A META-ANALYSIS OF MUSIC THERAPY AND SLEEP QUALITY: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Rowan Noell , Sardina Angie , Newsham Tina , Pond Richard , Chen-Edinboro Lenis , Leist Christine , Johnson Daniel , Erich Michele
Published: December 2022

Music therapy (MT) has been an established healthcare profession in the United States for over seven decades. MT interventions are non-pharmacological approaches, administered by board-certified music therapists, designed to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. One aspect of health where MT may be of use to older adults is in improving poor sleep quality, which is associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Many pharmacological treatments for insomnia and other conditions carry adverse effects. Investigating the impact of evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., MT) on sleep could be beneficial, particularly among older adults who are at greater risk for polypharmacy-related challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate the average effect of MT on sleep quality via a meta-analysis across 46 studies (N=2912). This study included a review of the effects of MT on sleep, the characteristics of strongest and weakest MT interventions, the role age plays on the efficacy of MT, and differences in effects between adults with and without dementia. Results revealed robust improvements in sleep quality, as a function of MT. These improvements were observed among teams that included a professional music therapist. Clinical and practical implications will be discussed, particularly as they apply to older adults and interprofessional practice.
IN THE WEEDS: UNDERSTANDING CANNABIS USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sheck Isabelle , Versey H Shellae
Published: December 2022

The existing literature from the past decade shows an increase in the prevalence of cannabis use among older adults (OA) aged 50-65. Most commonly, studies have reported OA using cannabis to manage symptoms related to chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia or disordered sleep, and anxiety. Recent recreational cannabis legislation in several states has also contributed to increasing rates of cannabis use among older adults. Despite an increase in recreational and medicinal cannabis consumption, few studies have focused on cannabis attitudes and behaviors among older adults. Within the past ten years, studies reporting cannabis behavior have been limited to samples of younger adults. This paper provides a comprehensive review of qualitative and quantitative studies of cannabis use among older adults (OA). Additional research detailing the characteristics of cannabis use among OA is needed, including frequency, motivation, type of cannabis (medicinal/recreational), route of administration, suppliers, and social networks associated with cannabis use. This systematic review adds to our knowledge about aging and substance use addressing a gap in the literature regarding drivers of cannabis use among OA. Implications of this research extend to gerontological, public health, and community research as cannabis continues to become more easily accessible in various states.
TOPICS ADDRESSED IN CENTENARIAN RESEARCH: A SCOPING REVIEW OF PUBLICATIONS SINCE 2000
Authors: Jopp Daniela , Lampraki Charikleia , Uittenhove Kim , Delhaes Flavien , Zaccaria Daniele , Da Rocha Carla Gomes , Ziade Garnelle , Becker Melanie
Published: December 2022

Over the past decades, centenarians have increasingly attracted the attention of the research community. This development reflects the constant rise of the numbers of very old individuals, but also the need to better understand longevity mechanisms and what characterizes life at age 100. This scoping review provided an overview of trends in centenarian research from all disciplines since 2000, and identified the most frequently mentioned and neglected topics. Scientific articles meeting the following eligibility criteria were included: (1) publication between 2000 and 2021; (2) in English, French or German language; (3) study population of at least 95 years of age on average, or, for studies with larger age ranges, provision of specific insights for the 95+ group. Following the standard procedures for scoping reviews, we identified a total of N = 3955 articles. After removal of duplicates and exclusion due to unmet criteria, we used content coding to identify research themes of N = 1117 articles. Data confirmed that research articles offering findings on centenarians have increased substantially over the past two decades. Content coding led to 37 main topics: Most frequently, studies addressed higher-order topics such as physical, biological, and mental (e.g., cognitive), which were mostly investigated within disciplinary boundaries. Few multidisciplinary articles examined content domains in conjunction. The least investigated topics in centenarian research included the sub-domains of pain, stress, anxiety, and psychiatric disorders. In sum, findings inform the research community about the existing centenarian research, suggest that multidisciplinary publications are infrequent, and offer guidance for future studies.
MODELS OF OLDER ADULT GROUP ENGAGEMENT TO IMPROVE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Authors: Hynes Mary , Anderson Nicole , Kastner Monika , Astell Arlene
Published: December 2022

We are studying the use of peer-to-peer group intervention as a means of promoting older adult health self-efficacy and self-management. To explore how older adults have worked together to improve health behaviors, a scoping review was conducted of older adult peer coaching in health maintenance or health improvement groups. Seventeen studies met all search criteria, including interventions examining the value of peer support in self-management of diabetes, a peer led program for fear of falling, and the effect of self-help groups on quality of life. Two models of peer engagement were identified: peer support and mutually supportive environments. Ten studies trained older adults to be peer mentors or leaders with training periods varying from two days to 30 weeks, although many did not include details of the training. The other seven studies examined mutually supportive environments for peer engagement such as a clinician-led with peer-support model, an app-based program with a social support component, and a prevention focused mutual support group. These studies included research comparing self-care and quality of life results after self-help group therapy and a study that analyzed the impact and role of volunteering at a seniors’ centre on maximizing member self-efficacy. While all studies reported on peer self-health engagement, there were many different goals ranging from evaluating health improvement programs to comparing peer and professional health group leadership. One consistent theme was improved perceived self-efficacy though peer group engagement.
TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG OLDER CHINESE ADULTS: BENEFITS ON SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING
Authors: Yeung Dannii , Chow Natalie , Chung Edwin
Published: December 2022

The growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in recent years has led policy-makers and researchers to look into how these developments affect older adults’ daily lives. The educational attainment of older people in Hong Kong is relatively low, with more than 60% of them only completing primary education or having no formal education. Therefore, their utility of ICT remains low as compared with that of their Western counterparts. One of the objectives of this study is to understand the usage of various forms of ICT among older Chinese adults, including technology use in social, financial, medical, and leisure domains. This study also investigates whether social technology use (such as social media, instant messages, video call) could contribute to better subjective well-being through enhancing their social support. A total of 452 older adults joined this study (M=68.7 years, SD=6.27, Range=60-89; 66.7% female). Among the four domains of ICT, higher usage was observed in the social and leisure domains, particularly among the young old. However, among the participants aged 75 and above, more than 70% of them did not use any form of ICT due to a lack of ICT knowledge. The mediation analyses reveal significant indirect effects of social technology use on life satisfaction (B=0.19, SE= 0.08, p=.010) and positive emotions (B=0.02, SE=0.02, p=.014) through social support, thereby suggesting that social technology use could increase older adults’ perceived support from friends, which subsequently improves their life satisfaction and positive emotions. Practical implications of these findings will be discussed.
IMPLEMENTING A HYBRID TELEHEALTH HOME-BASED TRANSITIONAL CARE PROGRAM: PRE-IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES
Authors: Penney Lauren , Damush Teresa , Bravata Dawn , Schubert Cathy , Preddie Alaina , Baird Sean , Schwartzkopf Ashley
Published: December 2022

The reach of home-based clinical programs for medically complex, older adults can be limited by geographic scope. Implementing telehealth versions can expand reach but create constraints for comprehensive assessments and technological barriers for users. We describe challenges and lessons learned during the pre-implementation period for the randomized trial of a hybrid video -modality of the Geriatrics Resources for Assessment and Care for Elders (GRACE) Program at the Indianapolis Veterans Health Care System. In TeleGRACE, a health technician makes home visits to facilitate clinical activities (e.g., medication reconciliation) using telehealth technology for a clinical team (social worker, nurse practitioner) who conduct the visits remotely. Data used in this one-year pre-implementation evaluation included: periodic reflections with the clinical and evaluation staff, planning and interdisciplinary team meeting fieldnotes, and interviews with clinical team members. Data were summarized by selected constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; implementation challenges and problem solving were identified. Pre-implementation challenges occurred in: assuring assessment devices worked correctly for and were trusted by staff (e.g., connectivity, virtual stethoscope), technician fit with existing GRACE team, ensuring technician welfare (e.g., COVID-19 exposure, guns in the home), caseload balance amid staffing shortages, travel logistics, and sampling to adequately power the trial. Building on an existing strong team dynamic and a culture of feedback for quality improvement, challenges were addressed through pilot-testing, monitoring for barriers and impacts, and group reflecting conversations. Adaptations to the initial plan resulted in a more focused and targeted implementation effort to test the model and its effectiveness.
DIGITAL PHENOTYPING TO UNDERSTAND HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Lee Kyungmi , Kumar Sidharth , Puga Frank , Azuero Andres , Kamal Arif , Pickering Carolyn , Dionne-Odom J Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Modeling passive data collected by smartphones, or digital phenotyping, may help detect the early signs of declines in daily health and lead to steps to prevent declines. Health-related outcomes have been typically acquired through self-report measures, however this broad approach has several limitations, such as recall and social desirability bias. A potential solution is digital phenotyping. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework, the aim of this scoping review was to identify studies that modeled passive smartphone-sensor data into behavioral markers that correlate or predict health-related outcomes. A literature search of peer-reviewed or conference studies in PubMed, Scopus, Compendex, and HTA yielded 3,170 articles. 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were organized and assessed for their: 1) data collection approaches (e.g., smartphone passive sensor data and questionnaire), 2) feature extraction (e.g., converting bedtime or wake time into sleep), 3) data analytics (e.g., identifying accelerometer data into sleep patterns using machine learning), 4) behavioral markers, which is observing the activity pattern for an extended period of time and then modeling the activities into appropriate behaviors, and 5) health-related outcomes. The findings of this study demonstrate how to transform passive smartphone-sensor data into behavioral markers that correlate or predict health-related outcomes, which could provide information for more grounded predictive use and successful implementation of digital phenotyping in future research.
REMEMBER STUFF: A PILOT FEASIBILITY TRIAL OF DYADIC-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH ADRD
Authors: Manoharan Sneha , Schroeder Matthew , Slaven James , Higbie Anna , Mullholand Mary Ellen , Fowler Nicole
Published: December 2022

Technology to support caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) with tasks may be the next frontier for caregiving research. This single-arm 90-day pilot trial tested the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of a software system called RememberStuff® (R/S) by Eperture. We also tested R/S’s impact on caregiver burden. R/S includes a web-based portal where caregivers add information to a touch screen used by patients. R/S is organized around four main features– Calendar, Messaging, Activities, and Remember, a personalized task list. We collected data from dyads at baseline, 30-, 60-, and 90-days. Measures included the Healthy Aging Brain Care (HABC) monitor, System Usability Scale (SUS), and satisfaction scales indicating caregiver’s willingness to use and behavioral intention. We approached caregivers of patients with ADRD seen in primary care clinics. Of the 469 participants reached, 278 (59.28%) refused, 156 (33.26%) were ineligible due to nursing home placement and 35 dyads were enrolled (7.46%). Among enrolled participants, 65.7% completed data up to 90 days. 73.5% of the caregivers lived with the patients. Mean caregiver age was 59.1 years; 67.7% are female; 88.2% are white. Willingness to use R/S was consistent across time from 30 days (M=3.9, SD=0.7) through 90 days (M=3.8, SD=1.1), while usability decreased (30 days M=57.7, SD=7.5 to 90 days M=54.9, SD 8.7). Caregiver’s overall HABC monitor also decreased from baseline (M=29.0, SD=13.1) to 90 days (M=27.2, SD=12.2) indicating less burden at 90 days. These findings support the feasibility of R/S technology to support caregivers of people with ADRD.
EXPLORING COMMUNICATION DISPARITIES IN LATE OLD AGE THROUGH THE LENS OF COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE THEORY
Authors: Leach Carrie , Jankowski Thomas
Published: December 2022

Health disparities are driven, in part, by communication disparities. Those who face the greatest health burdens often have the least communication resources to draw on to help them to manage and cope. As part of a multi-year, multi-level community engaged study to understand how to reduce the communication disjuncture between community-based service providers and older adults age 75 and older, we draw on data collected from 1,609 older adults through in-depth interviews (n=20) and a random sample survey (n=989) in one county in Michigan, along with a random digit dial telephone survey (n=600) conducted statewide. Findings point to key channels for disseminating information to hard-to-reach older adults being healthcare professionals and home delivered mail. Despite optimistic reports that technology usage and adoption rates are increasing for older users, findings suggest that old adults continue to face digital exclusion. Challenges with connecting through interpersonal networks are discussed. Limited resources for connecting with others through technology combined with increased social distancing due to the pandemic may exacerbate older adults’ diminishing social networks and dwindling communication resources to draw upon for managing their health in later old age. Understanding how to connect with the hard-to-reach is pressing particularly as connecting via tele-health normalizes. This information may be employed to inform strategies for disseminating information to older adults, including those ages 75 and older who are hardest-to-reach, and likewise, outreach and recruitment by researchers to engage them in studies that aim to reduce health disparities.
HOW INTERPLAY BETWEEN INFLAMMASOME AND MIRNA IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Yashin Anatoliy , Wu Deqing , Arbeev Konstantin , Kulminski Alexander , Stallard Eric , Mengel-From Jonas , Bagley Olivia , Ukraintseva Svetlana
Published: December 2022

The results of recent analyses showed that neuroinflammation—a key contributor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—is activated by protein complexes known as inflammasomes. The NLRP3 inflammasome protein complex is mostly studied in the central nervous system; it includes a protein encoded by the NLRP3 gene. Connections between inflammasomes, neuroinflammation, and AD may be regulated by small non-coding RNAs called microRNAs. These molecules have multiple ways to influence AD. For example, microRNA miR-107 may influence AD through regulation of the BACE1 gene expression involved in Aβ production. It remains unclear whether interplay of miR-107 and NRLP3 is associated with AD and whether mechanisms of such interplay differ among participants of LLFS and other studies. To address these questions, we evaluated associations with AD of interactions between genetic variants (SNPs) located in DNA encoding miR-107 and NLRP3 in participants of the LLFS and Framingham Heart Study using a logistic regression model with an interaction term. The facts that both datasets deal with data on related individuals and that many SNPs from either miR-107 or NLRP3 are in linkage disequilibrium were accounted for in these studies. The analysis of the Framingham data showed that the association with AD of the interaction between SNPs from miR-107 and the NLRP3 gene was statistically significant(p=6.71E-03; Bonferroni correction=7.14E-03). The association of the same interaction with AD was replicated in the analysis of LLFS data. These results indicate that in addition to regulating BACE1 expression and Aβ production, miR-107 may influence AD in interaction with the NLRP3 gene.
NEUROCORRELATES BETWEEN THEORY-OF-MIND AND BILINGUALISM IN GRAY MATTER VOLUME OF YOUNG AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Yow W Quin , Li Xiaoqian , Ng Kwun Kei , Koi Janice Jue Xin , Zhou Juan Helen
Published: December 2022

The experience of being bilingual may accrue cognitive reserve against age-related declines in older adults. Early bilingualism, e.g., second language age-of-acquisition (L2AoA), has been shown to be associated with better theory-of-mind (ToM) performance in older adults (Yow et al., 2021). Here, we aim to understand the brain structural correlates associated with bilingualism and ToM performance in normal aging. Forty-six young (YA, aged 19-30, M=21.87) and 51 older adult bilinguals (OA, aged 54-77, M=63.61) completed 1) ToM assessments, where they viewed vignettes and answered questions about the protagonists’ mental states, 2) an anatomical MRI scan, 3) a demographic questionnaire including L2AoA and years of education, and 4) a general cognitive ability assessment by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. As expected, ANCOVA on ToM composite scores revealed a significant main effect of age – YA showed better ToM performance than OA, F(1,93)=9.48, p=.003, controlling for education and MoCA scores. Importantly, MRI data were preprocessed to obtain gray matter volume (GMV), proxy of neuronal density, of 430 brain regions. Partial least square correlation analysis identified one significant multivariate pattern linking individual differences in GMV with ToM score and L2AoA (48.7% covariance explained, p=.014). Regardless of age, larger GMV in several regions including prefrontal, frontal, medial temporal, and superior temporal cortices were associated with earlier L2AoA (p=.003) and higher ToM score (p=.004), indicating shared variance between ToM and L2AoA in brain morphology. Findings suggest that earlier bilingual acquisition might promote brain maturation that would preserve ToM ability well into later stages of life.
ELECTIVE TELEMEDICINE: ARE OLDER WOMEN IN THE POSTPRIMARY TREATMENT PHASE OF EARLY BREAST CANCER INTERESTED?
Authors: Buse Caroline , Nyrop Kirsten , Kelly Erin O'Hare , Muss Hyman
Published: December 2022

Explosive growth in the use of telemedicine occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine has the potential to lessen healthcare burden for older adults with frequent appointments, physical and cognitive disabilities, and reliance on caretakers. To benefit from telemedicine, patients must have the capacity to engage with technology, for which inexperience and access may pose barriers. This study aimed to better understand the perspectives of older women with non-metastatic breast cancer on telemedicine, in regards to visit convenience, completeness, and interpersonal satisfaction. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a convenience sample of women age 65+, post-primary treatment for Stage I-III breast cancer, who received in-person outpatient care at NC Cancer Hospital before transitioning to telemedicine after March 2020. Patients were interviewed about their perceptions of telemedicine (telephone, video) as compared to in-person visits. Audio files of interviews were transcribed and reviewed to identify themes established a priori in the interview protocol. 15 patients (telephone=5, video=10) were consented and interviewed (July-October 2021), mean age=74. 13/15 participants reported that they preferred a hybrid care model that included telemedicine care over in-person care alone. COVID-19, physical disability, and transportation burden were associated with telemedicine preference. Comfort with familiar patient-provider interaction and lack of physical exam were associated with in-person appointment preference. Patient-clinician conversations and clinic protocols guiding use of telemedicine should take into account newness of diagnosis, patient comfort and familiarity with the care team, travel burden, disability, and whether the physical exam is or is not essential.
"HOW WILL I LIVE THIS LIFE I AM TRYING TO SAVE?": EXPLORING DUALITIES IN CANCER SURVIVORSHIP EXPERIENCES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Nwakasi Candidus , Esiaka Darlingtina , Chidebe Runcie , Fatai Khadijat Banwo , Orji Gloria
Published: December 2022

Objectives. Cancer mortality rate is high in Nigeria with about 102,000 new cases and 72,000 deaths per year. Cancer incidence rate is projected to increase with its rapidly aging population and growth — emphasizing its growing cancer burden. Due to Nigeria’s weak health system, limited cancer therapy and expert oncological services, lack of cancer education and awareness, and sub-optimal implementation of its national cancer control plan, there is an increase in the risk of poor outcomes from cancer. To further understand the mechanism behind the poor outcomes, we explored cancer survivorship experiences of breast cancer survivors in Nigeria. Methods. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 female breast cancer survivors in Abuja, Nigeria (Mage = 42 years). Their responses were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Results. The four major themes identified were: 1) life after cancer diagnosis (hope vs despair), 2) faith and religion (coping with faith vs issues with religion), 3) accessing cancer therapy (alternative therapy vs orthodox therapy), and 4) relationship with medical providers (encouragement from medical providers vs hinderance from medical providers). Discussion. Cancer death rates may be high but there is also a growing number of survivors in Nigeria. It is crucial to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians from the time of diagnosis until end of life, thus, the focus of cancer survivorship. The findings point to the critical need for policies to help strengthen cancer survivorship in Nigeria.
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP, AGING, AND SEXUAL HEALTH: GENDERED EXPERIENCES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND BODY IMAGE
Authors: Ciaralli Spencier , Deimling Gary , Burnham Dyanna , Kavanagh Colleen
Published: December 2022

Previous research on aging has studied sexual health as well as cancer. However, less is known about the intersections of cancer survivorship, aging, and sexual health, particularly as it pertains to the gendered experiences of body image. The select studies available that consider the role of sex and intimacy after cancer have provided wholly quantitative or qualitative analyses. This study provides a mixed-methods approach of cancer survivorship and aging as it pertains to sexual health, particularly examining prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer survivors. In their narratives as to how cancer has influenced their sexual behavior, female breast cancer survivors construct their experiences around body image satisfaction. Men who are prostate cancer survivors note struggles around “performance” and impotence. Common issues for both men and women with colorectal cancer survivorship identify body image and impotence as affecting their sexual behavior. An underlying theme throughout all aging cancer survivors’ narratives is the role of relationships and the perceptions of their partner. Race, marital status, and education are also examined. The data analyzed are from an NCI funded, 10-year longitudinal study based on in-person interviews with 321 cancer survivors. The findings illustrate the importance of medical professionals providing wholistic after-care that is inclusive of aging survivors’ sexual health, relationships, and perception of self.
AGING AND LONGITUDINAL EFFECTS ON NUMERACY
Authors: Best Ryan , Carman Katherine , Parker Andrew
Published: December 2022

Numeracy, the ability to competently make use of numbers and numerical information, is a skill associated with diverse positive outcomes across the lifespan. Numeracy is related to increases in education attainment, economic success, and the quality of health and financial decisions (e.g., Chesney, Bjälkebring, & Peters, 2015; Reyna et al., 2009; Smith, McArdle, & Willis, 2010). More generally, numeracy correlates positively with measures of fluid and crystallized intelligence, but accounts for a unique portion of the variance in models predicting risk comprehension (Cokely et al., 2012) and performance in many decision-making tasks (e.g., Peters et al., 2006; Peters, 2012). Age effects on cognitive functioning are well established, generally describing declines in fluid abilities and increases or stability in crystallized abilities (for a review, see Salthouse 2010), but little is known about the longitudinal trajectory of numeracy into older age. The current study investigates longitudinal age effects on numeracy using a sample of 524 adults (2008 Agerange = 20-78) from the RAND American Life Panel. Participants completed a numeracy measure in both 2008 and 2019, a span of 11 years. Results show that numeracy scores generally decreased between measurement points (β = -.24, t = -2.27, p = .03) and that increased age was predictive of a larger decrease in numeracy scores (β = -.02, t = -2.07, p = .04). Results are discussed as they relate to cognitive aging and how the trajectory of numeracy compares to other cognitive constructs.
HIGHER PHYSICAL FITNESS CLUSTERS SHOWED GREATER GLOBAL COGNITIVE OUTCOMES IN MIDDLE- TO OLDER-AGED ADULTS
Authors: Gills Joshua , Jones Megan , Campitelli Anthony , Paulson Sally , Birk Kelsey , Myers Jennifer , Glenn Jordan , Gray Michelle
Published: December 2022

Approximately, 6 million individuals in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease. A new diagnosis occurs every 67 seconds, which will triple the rates by 2050. Recently, physical dysfunction has been associated with cognitive decline; however, usually, this is examined in one dimension of physical fitness (PF). A more robust way including multiple domains of PF would be beneficial in examining the relationship between PF and cognition. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine cognition in clustered PF variables among middle to older-aged adults. Participants (n=216;73% female) enrolled and completed a DXA scan, RBANS, handgrip, sit-to-stand power with TENDO, dual-task (4-meter and 10-meter), and 6-minute walk distance test. A hierarchal cluster analysis was utilized to identify PF cluster for participants, a one-way ANOVA was used to assess differences in cognition between clusters. Cluster 1 (C1;n=29) was characterized with the highest physical fitness values, cluster 2 (C2;n=74) was in-between C1 and C3, cluster 3 (C3;n=113) had the lowest values among PF variables. C1 had significantly higher global cognitive and visuospatial scores compared to C3 (p< 0.05). C1 and C2 had significantly higher values on line orientation and figure recall than C3 (p< 0.05). Data showed high PF clusters had higher global cognitive values when compared to lower PF clusters. Moreover, higher PF showed greater visuospatial and delayed memory values compared to lower PF. Clustering PF tasks served as a practical tool evaluating cognition—this may be useful for future interpretation of cognitive decline where higher PF represents higher overall cognition.
IMPROVING COGNITION IN OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS USING NONPHARMACOLOGIC INTERVENTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Blackwood Jennifer , Simone Abigail
Published: December 2022

Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) is a side-effect of chemotherapy, particularly among young and adult populations. Results indicate CRCD is also prevalent in older adult populations. While various non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairments have been studied in young cancer and older adult populations, limited information is available regarding non-pharmacologic interventions for older adults with cancer. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current non-pharmacologic interventions for CRCD in the older adult cancer population. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were appraised by 2 reviewers independently. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment was used to assess study quality. The search located 3441 articles; 4 met inclusion criteria. Cognitive domains assessed by included studies comprised executive function (n=2), attention (n=1), learning/memory (n=2), perceptual-motor (n=1), and a general measure of global cognitive function (n=3). Two studies used exercise interventions and 2 employed cognitive training interventions. One exercise intervention improved executive function, while attention and learning/memory improved following cognitive training. However, a limited number of studies utilizing non-pharmacological approaches for treating cognitive impairment in this population showed high methodological heterogeneity. Non-pharmacologic interventions demonstrated positive outcomes for CRCD, however, methodological concerns in the included studies prevented definitive recommendations from being made. Findings may guide additional studies needed in this field in order to make more robust conclusions.
INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Chen Jiachen , Fang Yuan , Lunetta Kathryn , Murabito Joanne , Doyle Margaret
Published: December 2022

Neuroinflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of dementia, but the role of circulating inflammatory markers is unclear. The aim of the study is to identify circulating inflammatory biomarkers associated with cognitive function in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort. We used OLINK inflammation panel to measure 92 inflammation protein biomarkers using stored plasma samples at Offspring examination 7 (1998-2001) from 879 participants (52% female, mean 61 years range 40 to 88 years, 22% APOE e4 carrier). Cognitive function was assessed with seven tests derived from a neuropsychological (NP) testing battery representing four cognitive domains collected closest to the 7th examination. 68 proteins with at least 50% values above the limit of detection (LOD) were clustered with hierarchical clustering, and data below LOD were replaced with LOD/√2. We identified nine clusters of highly correlated proteins and created cluster composite scores on the first principal component of each. Adjusting for age, sex and education, five of the seven NP tests are nominally associated (p < 0.05) with at least one of the protein clusters, and five of the nine clusters are associated with at least one of the NP tests. The executive function test Trails B–Trails A is nominally associated with three clusters, and the Boston Naming Test 30 items version with two clusters, both sharing one common cluster which includes IFN-γ-inducible chemokines involved in inflammatory conditions. Future analyses will explore individual protein associations with cognitive test performance and incident dementia and will investigate the biological relevance of the identified clusters.
MENTAL-SOMATIC MULTIMORBIDITY IN GROUP-BASED TRAJECTORIES OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION FOR MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Chen Siting , Nagel Corey , Botoseneanu Anda , Allore Heather , Newsom Jason , Thielke Stephen , Kaye Jeffrey , Quiñones Ana
Published: December 2022

Somatic and mental multimorbidity contributes to cognitive decline. The study aims to identify distinct trajectories of cognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults, and to examine the contribution of specific somatic and mental multimorbidity combinations on subsequent risk of cognitive impairment. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify trajectories of cognitive impairment risk among participants in the Health & Retirement Study during years 1998-2016 (N=20,372). We included time-invariant sociodemographic factors (sex, race/ethnicity, education) to quantify their association with trajectory class membership, and time-varying multimorbidity combinations to examine their relative impact on observed trajectories. Four somatic-mental multimorbidity combinations were analyzed: somatic multimorbidity (two or more of the following: heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, cancer), stroke-multimorbidity (any somatic including stroke); depressive-multimorbidity (any somatic including high depressive symptoms); and stroke and depressive multimorbidity (including both stroke and high depressive symptoms). We identified three trajectory classes of cognitive impairment: low baseline risk with gradual increase (55.1%); low baseline risk with rapid increase (32.8%); and high baseline risk with gradual increase (12.1%). In the group with low baseline risk with rapid increase, stroke-multimorbidity (OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 2.11, 2.74) and depressive-multimorbidity (OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.50,1.81) each had higher odds of cognitive impairment relative to somatic multimorbidity. Similarly, stroke and depressive multimorbidity (OR: 3.46, 95%CI: 2.85, 4.21) was associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment compared with somatic multimorbidity. This study highlights the importance of risk modification for somatic and mental multimorbidity combinations from mid-life to inform interventions to sustain cognitive performance.
ACHES AND PAINS: HOW DO THEY AFFECT TRANSITIONS FROM DRIVING?
Authors: Barrett Anne , Michael Cherish
Published: December 2022

Chronic pain, which affects more than 1 in 4 middle-aged and older adults, can have profound implications for everyday activities, like driving. Although research has revealed pain’s effect on driving performance, less is known about driving-related behaviors and self-assessments that are part of the process of transitioning from driving. We address this issue using data from an online survey of 3,441 Floridians aged 50 and older that was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. We examine the association between pain and four driving-related outcomes: self-rated driving ability, self-regulated driving, perceived nearness of driving retirement, and planning for driving retirement. Results of multivariate regression analyses indicate that experiencing greater pain is associated with worse self-rated driving ability, more frequent self-regulated driving, and greater perceived nearness of driving retirement. Pain is not, however, associated with greater planning for driving retirement. These findings indicate that although greater pain may hasten the transition from driving, it may not lead to more planning for it. Both patterns suggest that pain may increase people’s risk of experiencing the social isolation that can follow driving retirement. By focusing on transitioning from driving, our study reveals a largely overlooked benefit of reducing pain – It could extend people’s years behind the wheel.
ACHIEVING EQUITABLE QUALITY OF CARE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Authors: Travers Jasmine
Published: December 2022

Inequities in care delivery within nursing homes are pervasive across the United States. Racial and ethnic minority residents disproportionately reside in nursing homes of poorer quality, lower staffing, and fewer resources when compared to their White counterparts. Dr. Jasmine Travers, a health services researcher at New York University and with expertise in disparities and long-term care, will present on recommendations to achieving equitable quality of care for nursing home residents.
COMMUNITY TYPOLOGY IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL/COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Park Nan Sook , Jang Yuri , Chung Soondool , Chiriboga David
Published: December 2022

The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify community typology in older Korean Americans; and (2) examine the associations of typology with loneliness, mental distress, and cognitive health. Guided by social capital conceptualization, we hypothesized that distinct community groups would be identified and that they would be differentially associated with sociodemographic, immigration-related, health, and social characteristics and mental/cognitive health. Data were drawn from a survey with older Korean Americans aged 60 and older, collected during 2017−2018 in diverse locations (n=2,138). To identify community typology, a series of latent profile analysis (LPA) were conducted using 15 community-related variables in three domains (neighborhood characteristics, social cohesion, ethnic attachment). After examining characteristics of the identified groups in relations with study variables, hierarchical multiple regression models of loneliness, mental distress, and self-rated cognitive health were estimated. Based on several model evaluation criteria, LPA model with five community groups was identified as best-fit (BIC=64,619, Entropy=.94). The five groups were identified as “a. high safety/cohesion/ethnic attachment” (10%), “b. high safety/low cohesion/ethnic attachment” (10%), “c. moderate neighborhood/low ethnic attachment/cohesion” (38%), “d. moderate neighborhood/high cohesion/ethnic attachment” (31%), and “e. low safety/moderate cohesion/ethnic attachment” (11%). In reference to the group with high on all three domains (a), group with low ethnic attachment/cohesion in moderate neighborhood (c) and group in unsafe environment with moderate cohesion/ethnic attachment (e) were consistently associated with elevated loneliness/mental distress and poor rating of cognitive health. The results suggest the need to understand profiles of community characteristics and their relationships with health/well-being among older immigrants.
EXAMINING THE ROLE OF OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN MID-LIFE
Authors: Staben Omar , Infurna Frank , Grimm Kevin
Published: December 2022

There is a long-standing literature that has documented how one’s neighborhood context has the potential to shape mental and physical health across the adult lifespan. An abundance of research documents how various components of the neighborhood, such as disorder, cohesion, in addition to pollution and sidewalk quality are linked to short- and long-term mental and physical health outcomes across adulthood. One key component that has been less studied within this literature is the extent to which objective or subjective neighborhood indicators exert a more potent impact on mental and physical health. Up to this point, much of the research has focused on subjective indicators of neighborhood context. This study explores whether and to what extent objective neighborhood factors of income inequality, residential stability, and greenness and subjective neighborhood factors of social ties, collective efficacy, and neighborhood disorder are predictive of mental and physical health in midlife. We use data from a sample of participants in midlife (n=800, aged 40-65) to analyze our research questions. Structural equation models found that both subjective and objective indicators of neighborhood were related to health and well-being when considered separately. When considered simultaneously, subjective neighborhood indicators (sense of community) mediated the association between objective constructs and health. Our findings demonstrate the independent associations between objective and subjective neighborhood context and highlight the particularly strong association between subjective context and health and well-being. Our discussion elaborates on how our findings can inform interventions and sparks future research aimed at exploring potential mechanisms underlying the associations found.