bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPERIENCES RESEARCH ON CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hannum Susan M , Smith Katherine , Beeler Dori M , Owczarzak Jill 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Among older cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue is a common chronic problem that may result in functional dependence and decreased quality of life. Currently, there exists no standard of care for managing fatigue among cancer patients, pressing the need for further research and the development of novel interventions. Our research followed the validated DIPEx (Database of Patient Experiences) methodology, which utilizes in-depth, narrative interviews to create a rich and broad archival resource of patient stories to highlight commonalities and differences in illness experiences. We interviewed 9 older women (aged 60+ years) who have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer (Stage I-IV (IV only if clinically-stable). Interviews were audio and/or video-recorded and transcribed for analysis of emergent themes using MAXQDA qualitative software. Four primary themes have emerged from the data: (1) fatigue is a distressing side effect of treatment for which patients do not feel adequately prepared; (2) information about fatigue and how to deal with it is not systematically provided within the oncology setting; (3) patients develop their own systems for managing fatigue and general energy levels (e.g., limiting activities, using blocks of time strategically, etc.); and (4) social support for fatigue varies. Education about cancer-related fatigue and its management represents an unmet need among older breast cancer survivors. The development and implementation of both clinician training initiatives and patient-facing educational and engagement interventions represent important next steps in supporting the care needs of cancer patients and survivors.
δ PREDICTS GENERAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Authors: Royall Donald R , Palmer Raymond F 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
“δ” is a transdiagnostic omnibus dementia severity measure derived from general intelligence (i.e., Spearman’s “g”). It can be estimated in any cognitive battery that contains a measure of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). As dementia’s essential cognitive impairment, δ may also explain the appearance of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Alternatively, the latter may be associated with orthogonal domain-specific cognitive impairments, unrelated to δ and therefore to dementia. The δ homolog ”dDx” was tested as a predictor of one year prospective BPSD among n = 723 participants in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). Twelve Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-Q)-rated BPSD were themselves submitted to confirmatory factor analysis resulting in a well-fit bifactor model rating general psychopathology (p), positive (+) and negative (-) symptoms. dDx and orthogonal cognitive factors rating memory (MEM) and executive function (EF) were regressed onto prospective p, (+) and (-). dDx was strongly associated with p (r = -0.59, p &lt;0.001). MEM was associated only with (+) (r = 0.14, p &lt;0.001). EF was associated only with (-) (r = -0.23, p &lt;0.001). This is the first demonstration of p in the geriatric literature. p’s strong association with δ suggests that general psychopathology arises from dementia itself. In contrast, (+) and (-) symptoms may arise from regional insults, e.g., to temporo-limbic and frontal circuits (respectively). No such regional pathology is likely to impact δ or p, as they are “indifferent” to their indicators and must derive from global Central Nervous System (CNS) features.
POLICIES FOR PRESERVING THE WORK ACTIVITY OF PEOPLE IN RETIREMENT AGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN BULGARIA
Authors: Savova Zaharina A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Demographically, aging of the world’s population is a fact that requires the implementation and development of integrated, active policies for the inclusion of older people in economic and social life. In response to this challenge, an international UN plan for active aging was adopted in Madrid in 2002. By adopting this plan, all EU member states are committed to contribute to active aging by integrating the rights and needs of older people into national economic and social policies. The European Commission formulates the concept of active aging as adopting a healthy lifestyle, longer labor market participation, later retirement, and retention after retirement. In recent years managers of higher education institutions in Bulgaria have been pursuing a policy of preserving the labor and intellectual potential of retired research and teaching staff. There are different practices and activities aimed at preserving this valuable resource built for decades. This paper outlines the main activities and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Mentoring Program for Shared Experience and Knowledge. This pilot program was implemented over a five-year period from 2012 to 2017. It involved teachers in pre-retirement and retirement age working in higher education institutions. Monitoring and evaluation of the different forms of activities included in the program were made. The benefits for all participants have been derived. The results and the analysis made support the initial suggestion that the program is an opportunity for gradual withdrawal from work activity, preserving social well-being and successful adaptation to retirement from active labor activity.
AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN INHIBITION INVESTIGATION OF SIMON AND FLANKER CONFLICTS IN ERPS
Authors: Scrivano Rachel , Kieffaber Paul 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
It is unclear whether or not older adults experience more difficulty managing cognitive conflict by inhibiting distracting stimuli and/or ignoring irrelevant information than younger adults. A common procedure used to measure inhibitory function is through the use of congruent and incongruent stimuli. Specifically, past literature that used tasks like the Simon and flanker have found differing effects on reaction times and various event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes and latencies, suggesting that either inhibitory function is a unitary mechanism or multifaceted. Moreover, research exhibits uncertainty for whether or not age influences deficits to inhibitory function. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate these research questions by combining the Simon and flanker tasks into one unique task. The study’s behavioral results indicate that older adults have greater difficulty with cognitive conflict in both Simon and flanker tasks due to significantly prolonged reaction times during incongruent trials. Furthermore, reaction time data posits that there are no significant age-related differences between the Simon and flanker task. This finding indicates that through the use of these tasks, inhibitory function is a unitary mechanism. In addition, preliminary electroencephalogram data shows that younger and older adults process the task’s information similarly. These initial findings can further inhibition research through its use as benchmarks for the measurement of cognitive change and deficit identification in older adults.
SOMATIC COMPLAINTS, A KEY FACTOR OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBJECTIVE MEMORY
Authors: Haavisto Wonjeong , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Willis Sherry , Schaie Warner 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Prior research found depressive symptoms and subjective memory to be associated with objective memory (OM) performance. One key factor of subjective memory, as measured by the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), is General Frequency of Forgetting (GFF). However, few studies focused on identifying specific factors of depressive symptoms when examining associations between depressive symptoms, subjective memory and OM. Using structural equation modeling, cross-sectional associations of factors in the CES-D (depressive symptoms) to the MFQ (subjective memory) and OM were investigated in the Seattle Longitudinal Study (mean Age=72.39; SD=8.28; mean Education=15.12; SD=2.76; 58.4% female). Differential associations of the CES-D factors with the MFQ factors [n=389; RMSEA=.031; CFI=.973; TLI=.966] and the GFF subscales [n=389; RMSEA=.033; CFI=.971; TLI=.964] resulted. Only the CES-D somatic complaints factor was significantly associated with the GFF factor (β= -.45, p &lt;.001), suggesting that people with more somatic complaints reported more memory concerns. The CES-D somatic complaints factor was negatively associated with the frequency of forgetting in daily life (β=-.36, p&lt; .001) and forgetting while reading subscales (β= -.33, p &lt; .001), indicating individuals that reported more somatic complaints experienced more frequent memory failures when performing daily activities and reading. Overall, a key CES-D factor, somatic complaints, emerged as influential to subjective memory, whereas there was no relation to OM. Further study of the longitudinal associations between the CES-D factors and subjective and objective memory is essential to determine the potential impact on memory deficits.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOM AND SUBJECTIVE MEMORY FACTORS WITH OBJECTIVE MEMORY PERFORMANCE
Authors: Haavisto Wonjeong , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Willis Sherry , Schaie Warner 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Prior research demonstrated a history of depressive symptoms predicted oncoming memory deficits, and that self-evaluation of memory was associated with forthcoming memory difficulties. However, prior work lacks consistent consideration of multifaceted depressive symptoms in regards to longitudinal associations with objective memory (OM). Structural models were examined to determine how latent factors of depressive symptoms (via the CES-D) and SM factors predicted memory deficits at later time points when taking into account baseline OM performance [n=270; RMSEA=.034; CFI=.974; TLI=.965] in the Seattle Longitudinal Study (mean Age=70.33; SD=7.29; mean Education=15.30; SD=2.72; 61.9% female). The somatic complaints CES-D factor showed a significant longitudinal association with OM performance after seven years (β = -.25, p &lt; .05), while none of CES-D factors showed cross-sectional associations with the baseline OM. The general frequency of forgetting SM factor was positively associated with OM performance at baseline (β = .26, p &lt; .001), suggesting that those performing better at recalling words reported fewer memory problems. None of SM factors showed longitudinal associations with OM measured seven years later, indicating that self-evaluation of memory had no impact on future memory deficits. Overall findings suggested that a key CES-D factor, somatic complaints, was detected and that people endorsing more somatic issues experienced greater memory decline over a seven year period. Thus, extending prior work, the current study suggests that although both subjective memory and depressive symptom factors showed concurrent associations, only a specific factor of depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, was influential in regards to predicting later memory performance
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING ACROSS AGE
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Minahan Jillian , Yazdani Neshat , Siedlecki Karen L , Salthouse Timothy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Higher levels of subjective well-being (SWB) are associated with myriad of positive outcomes, including better physical health. Several variables have been shown to predict SWB, including cognitive functioning. The relationship between aspects of SWB (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) and cognition were examined in participants (N = 5, 125) between the ages of 18- 99 years from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks, including tests of verbal episodic memory, processing speed, reasoning, spatial visualization, and vocabulary. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling, using full information maximum likelihood estimation. In the models, the five latent cognitive constructs simultaneously predicted each of the SWB outcome variables separately. Age, education, gender, and self-rated health were included as covariates. Results show that reasoning was a significant unique predictor of negative affect (-.30), vocabulary was a significant unique predictor of positive affect (-.21), and spatial visualization was a significant unique predictor of life satisfaction (.21). Age moderation was examined by dividing the sample into three age groups (younger, middle-aged, and older). There was some evidence of age moderation. Namely, spatial visualization was a significant unique predictor of life satisfaction in the younger sample only. Reasoning and processing speed predicted negative affect in the younger group, whereas only reasoning predicted negative affect in the older group. In conclusion, in a large community-based sample spanning adulthood, there is evidence that cognition predicts aspects of SWB but there is variation across SWB outcome variables, and across age.
EXPLORING THE WITHIN-PERSON COUPLING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD PRESSURE AND COGNITION IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Byrd DeAnnah R , Gamaldo Alyssa A , Allaire Jason C , Whitfield Keith E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We examined the within-person relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cognition and whether this association is moderated by hypertension status and stress level. Analysis was conducted on 50 (39 women and 11 men) community-dwelling African Americans ranging in age from 50 to 80 years (M = 65.40, SD = 8.53). Participants’ blood pressure and cognition (i.e., executive function, memory, perceptual speed, inductive reasoning, constructional praxis, and language) was assessed on 8 different occasions over a 2-week time period. Stress was measured at baseline using the Elderly Life Stress Inventory. Findings show on days systolic blood pressure increased above an individual’s average level, their memory performance also tended to improve on that day. A significant 3-way interaction was further observed; such that on occasions when an individual’s systolic blood pressure was above his or her personal average, their executive functioning performance (i.e., Letter Fluency test) was significantly better, particularly for participants who on average had a high SBP (or were hypertensive) and reported a history of high stress. These results suggest that higher levels of blood pressure are related to better cognitive performance among middle age to older African Americans. These counterintuitive findings may be attributed to the inclusion of a selective sample of resilient African Americans who have survived despite having adverse health conditions. This association may also arise from stress induced high effort coping, which is needed to perform well on cognitive tasks but also increases blood pressure.
AGE OF MUSIC ACQUISITION IMPACTS MEMORY FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULT MUSICIANS
Authors: Strong Jessica V , Milberg William , McGlinchey Regina , Leritz Elizabeth 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Music playing is an involved activity, activating many areas of the brain and relying on integration of multiple cognitive processes simultaneously. Older adult musicians have been found to experience some cognitive benefits compared to non-musicians, seemingly related to their musical training. However, we still do not understand what factors of musical training may be driving these differences. The current study sought to isolate age of acquisition from “dose” of playing (i.e., amount of time spent playing) to explore music learning as a skill acquired during a sensitive period. Participants (n=48) were middle aged and older adults who self-reported on musical experiences, demographics, and underwent extensive neuropsychological assessment of all major domains. The sample was divided into Early Age of Acquisition (≤9 years old), Late Age of Acquisition (&gt;9), and Non-Musicians. Results showed that musicians who began formal training at the age of 9 or younger, had significantly higher scores on tests of verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test – II: Immediate Recall – p = 0.04, partial η2 = 0.14, Short-Delay Free Recall - p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.16, Long-Delay Free Recall - p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.15). Results are discussed in the context of a sensitive period for acquiring musical education, and implications of these results on cognitive aging.
EFFECTS OF OBESITY ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND MEMORY IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Fiscella Andrew J , Andel Ross 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Obesity has been linked to multiple conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. While the relationship between obesity and these diseases is well-established, the relationship between obesity and changes in cognitive function is less clear. This study examined the effects of overweight and obese status on performance in tests of executive function and memory. It was hypothesized that overweight and obese individuals would perform worse than normal weight individuals. Data from 547 individuals who participated in the Midlife in the United States Refresher cohort were used. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were employed as measures of obesity. Both variables were examined continuously and categorically (from NHBLI-defined cutoffs). Z-scores were computed for each cognitive test and averaged together to create separate composite scores for executive function and memory. When measuring BMI and WC continuously, higher BMI was significantly associated with lower executive function (B=-0.010, p=.029); no significant association between executive function and WC was found (p=.162). When measuring BMI and WC with clinical thresholds, participants with overweight or obese WC had significantly lower executive function (p=.030). No overall association between BMI-based thresholds and executive function was found (p=.682). Memory did not differ between overweight/obese participants and healthy weight controls with continuous or clinical threshold specifications. These findings suggest that: 1) obesity may relate to poorer executive function but not worse memory, and 2) the way in which obesity is measured reflects saliently in the results. Future researchers should consider conducting sensitivity analyses with different obesity criteria.
SUBJECTIVE AGE AND COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sprague Briana N , Troutman Sara B W , Bickhart Sara E , Jiya Nathanael , Ross Lesley A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Subjective age predicts cognitive, physical, and psychosocial function in older adults independent of objective age. However, the stability of this association is unknown. The goals of this study were to determine whether (1) subjective age was stable across eight years and (2) if subjective age predicted cognitive, physical, and psychosocial function in older adults. This study used data from a nationally-representative longitudinal cohort study (Health and Retirement Study) of 3,084 older adults aged 65-96 measured biannually from 2008 – 2016 with at least two waves of data. The main predictor was the proportion of subjective age compared to one’s objective age. The outcomes were dementia status (TICSm), physical function (grip strength, walk speed), and psychosocial function (Self-Perceptions of Aging). On average, the sample reported feeling 15% younger than their objective age. Among older adults who reported feeling older than the sample average, there were significant deficits in TICSm, walk speed, and self-perceptions of aging, but not in grip strength. Older adults who feel older than average have poorer cognitive, lower limb physical, and psychosocial function, and these deficits are exacerbated when those individuals feel even older compared to their own average. These results suggest that instability in subjective aging is particularly disruptive for those already at risk for poor aging, so interventions targeting the most vulnerable could promote healthy aging.
PERFORMANCE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING RELATED TO SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Ruvalcaba Neyda Ma Mendoza , Merino Elva Dolores Arias , Villavicencio Maria Elena Flores , Rodriguez Díaz Melina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction The cognitive functioning, as a general measure, is a criterion commonly used to define and operationalize successful aging. (Project-Conacyt-256589) The aim of this study is to analyze cognitive function and its relationship with the successful aging in older adults. Methods Population based, random sample included n=401 community-dwelling older adults 60-years and older (mean age=72.51,SD=8.11 years,59.4% women). Cognitive functioning was assessed by a comprehensive battery including working memory(Digit Span Backward WAIS-IV), episodic memory, metamemory(self-report), processing speed(Symbol Digit WAIS-IV), attention(TMT-A), executive functioning(TMT-B), learning potential(RAVLT), language(FAS), visuospatial skills(Block Design WAIS-IV). Successful aging was operationalized in accordance with Rowe & Kahn definition (no important disease, no disability, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and being actively engaged). Sociodemographic and health data were also asked. Data were analyzed in SPSSv24. Results In total 11.2% were successful agers and 11.4% had Mild Cognitive impairment. Global cognitive functioning was significantly related to the achievement of successful aging criteria. Specifically, the more successful agers showed a significant (p′s&lt;.05) better performance on learning potential, working memory, metamemory, processing speed and attention. Executive functions were not related to successful aging criteria. None cognitive domain was related to the being actively engaged criteria. Better visuospatial skills were showed in older adults meeting the criteria of being free of disability and high physical functioning. Conclusion Knowledge generated by this study reveals the role of specific domains of cognitive functioning in successful aging, and sets a scenario to promote successful aging, through alternatives centered in the improvement of cognition in the older adults.
COGNITION OLDER ADULTS WITH PREDIABETES EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED NEUROCOGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Furlano Joyla , Nagamatsu Lindsay 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Type II diabetes (T2D) is associated with neurocognitive decline beyond normative aging, and thus older adults with T2D are at high risk for developing dementia. However, the extent to which similar deficits occur in prediabetic older adults is not well understood. While few studies have shown that prediabetic older adults experience some cognitive decline, further research is needed to determine the specific cognitive domains affected and the degree to which this decline occurs. Moreover, structural and functional brain changes that may occur with these deficits is currently unknown in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess cognitive function and brain health in prediabetic older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of older adults (aged 60-80) with prediabetes (FPG 6.1-7.0 mmol/L) and healthy aged-matched controls, examining 1) cognitive performance, 2) functional brain activation as measured by fMRI, and 3) structural measures such as volume of the hippocampus. Based on our cross-sectional analysis, prediabetic older adults show impaired cognition (e.g., memory), as well as decreased hippocampal volume and activation. Therefore, we conclude that older adults with prediabetes experience brain decline, and could benefit from lifestyle interventions to prevent or delay the onset of such decline.