bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PERSONALITY AND FAMILY HISTORY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AS PREDICTORS OF OLDER ADULTS’ SELF-REPORTED MEMORY PROBLEMS
Authors: Bhargava Sakshi , Hill Nikki , Mogle Jacqueline , Bell Tyler R , Wion Rachel 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Understanding individual factors (e.g., personality) associated with self-reported memory problems is important to refine identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using multilevel modeling, we examined the association of family history of AD and personality traits with self-reported memory problems in older adults (n = 421; 72.21% White; 62.95% female; Mage = 76.69). Results showed that individuals with a family history of AD reported more frequent memory problems and greater one-year memory decline. Similar findings were reported for individuals with higher extraversion scores. Further, older adults with higher neuroticism scores reported greater one- and ten-year memory decline. Neuroticism was positively related to frequency of memory problems, but only among participants with a family history of AD. Findings suggest that higher neuroticism and lower extraversion may increase older adults’ reports of memory problems. Family history of AD may further exacerbate this tendency.
GENETICS AND MECHANISMS OF HUMAN AGING AND FRAILTY
Authors: Melzer David , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Great progress has been made recently in identifying the genetic and likely biological mechanisms of aging traits in humans, thanks to the very large UK Biobank cohort of 500,000 persons. This symposium will discuss new results for known genetic loci influencing aging, including in-depth analysis of the APOE e2 “protective” allele and aging outcomes, and will highlight new pathways for follow-up. Identifying genetic variants associated with frailty (accumulation of deficits) is implicating specific pathways with possible causal effects on premature frailty, with particular emphasis on neurological traits. Large-scale analysis of physical frailty – here parametrized as muscle weakness – is shedding light on specific mechanisms that are divergent from those associated with the Rockwood-like analysis, with evidence for sex-specific pathways. At the end of this symposium, the audience should be able to better understand the processes that potentially drive aging and frailty in older adults, and the possibilities for future diagnostic and treatment modalities for delaying or reversing aging and frailty in older adults.
GERONTOLOGISTS’ CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING AND EXPERIENCING LATER-LIFE RELOCATION AND RESIDENCE
Authors: Kivnick Helen Q , Wyatt-Brown Anne , Kivnick Helen Q 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Increasing numbers of Baby Boomers and their older cohorts are now confronting challenges of aging that have long been research topics and practice domains of gerontologists. Choosing later-life relocation and residence is one such challenge. However, large-scale, population-based research runs the risk of making unwarranted assumptions about individuals based on group membership, alone. As people continue to develop through older adulthood, residential preferences and priorities can change over time – based on financial pressures, health concerns, family circumstances, and more. No solution works for all people. And for many, a choice made early in older adulthood may prove unworkable in the longer term. As Stephen Golant put it in Aging in the Right Place (2015), it is important to try to match the place -- be it home, community, or institution -- with the temperament and the finances of the person who will be living in it. Each older adult needs information about different options and appropriate self-knowledge, in order make a decision that gives them pleasure for an extended amount of time. In this session, aging gerontologists (aged 69-90+) discuss their personal considerations in anticipating and making these major decisions and in experiencing their consequences – as influenced by the unique disciplinary and theoretical perspectives afforded by a lifetime of work in gerontology. Presenters will share their personal later-life housing stories, as they are influenced by theories, concepts, findings, personal circumstances, and styles of observing, thinking, and acting – all developed through their personal careers in gerontology.
HOW TO PUBLISH: FROM START TO FINISH AND BEYOND
Authors: Sands Laura P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This symposium, organized by the Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) Publications Committee, will provide information on the publication process from the perspective of several editors of GSA’s scientific journals that publish diverse types of gerontological research, basic to applied across multiple disciplines. This session is comprised of three parts including: 1) Podium presentations from editors-in-chief from GSA’s The Gerontologist, Innovation in Aging (GSA’s new open access journal), and Journal of Gerontology-Series B, Social Sciences. Editors will describe how to prepare your manuscript for submission, choose the right journal, and revise the manuscript for resubmission; 2) A presentation about how to assess and maximize the impact of published work given by a representative from Oxford University Press (OUP); and 3) Round table discussions with editors from the Journals of Gerontology-Series A (Medical Sciences) and B (Psychological and Social Sciences), The Gerontologist, and Innovation in Aging and OUP representatives. Editors will answer questions related to the podium presentations and other questions specific to each journal. Intended audiences include emerging and international scholars, and authors interested in learning more about best practices and tips for getting their scholarly work published. Current and future published authors will also gain information about how to leverage already published work.
I-CONECT PROJECT: CAN SOCIAL INTERACTION IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AMONG SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: Dodge Hiroko H , Hooker Karen , Antonucci Toni C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that larger social networks or more frequent social interactions may have protective effects against cognitive decline and the incidence of dementia. Therefore, increasing social interaction could be a promising intervention for improving cognitive well-being in socially isolated older adults. We have conducted multiple NIH-funded randomized controlled trials (RCT) over 10 years, examining whether conversational interactions through webcam and internet can improve cognitive functions and enhance cognitive reserve. In this symposium, we will introduce this series of behavioral intervention trials through 4 presentations. First, Dodge will provide background and results of their previous RCT where they showed efficacy of conversational intervention on domain-specific cognitive functions and introduce the ongoing larger project called I-CONECT (https://www.i-conect.org). Second, Lindsey will introduce technological innovations used in the I-CONECT project including development of user-friendly video-chat devices, recording of audio and video data and innovative recruitment efforts. Third, Asgari will share results on how speech utterance and characteristics collected through the project could distinguish those with mild cognitive impairment from those with normal cognition using machine learning modelling approaches. Finally, Cerino and his team will show results of the study which examined whether cognitive improvements through conversation-based intervention depend on an individual’s personality, laying the groundwork for a personalized intervention trial in the future. The symposium is of interest for those who study social isolation and its prevention, the link among cognition, social isolation and personality, as well as those who focus on technology as a tool for improving well-being of older adults.
I-CONECT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Dodge Hiroko H , Kaye Jeffrey , Goodrich Elena , Lindsley Jacob , MacDonald Mattie , Mattek Nora , Asgari Meysam , Silbert Lisa 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In our previous NIH-funded randomized controlled behavioral clinical trial, we developed a conversation-based social interaction cognitive stimulation protocol delivered by trained interviewers through webcams and a user-friendly interactive Internet interface. Daily 30 minute face-to-face video-chats were conducted for 6 weeks. Despite a short duration, this proof of concept study demonstrated high adherence among older adults (mean age 80 years) and showed improvement in cognitive domains which tap language-based executive functions and semantic memory among the experimental group compared to the control group who did not engage in any video-chats. Building on these results, we are now conducting two NIH-funded projects (https://www.i-conect.org), targeting socially isolated older adults who are less likely to participate in clinical trials despite their high risk of cognitive decline. In this presentation, we introduce a series of projects outlined above and share the challenges and opportunities identified in our behavioral intervention trials focused on social interaction.
LINGUISTIC MEASURES OF SPOKEN UTTERANCES FOR DETECTING MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Asgari Meysam , Kaye Jeffrey , Dodge Hiroko 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Studies have shown that speech characteristics can aid in early-identification of those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a linguistic analysis on spoken utterances of 41 participants (15 MCI, 26 healthy controls) from conversations with a trained interviewer using the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) method. Data came from a randomized controlled behavioral clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01571427) to examine effects of conversation-based cognitive stimulation on cognitive functions among older adults with normal cognition or MCI, which served as a pilot study for I-CONECT. From the collected spoken utterances we first constructed a fixed-dimensional feature vector using TF-IDF. Next, to distinguish between MCI and healthy controls, we trained a support vector machine (SVM) classifier on per-subject feature vectors according to 5-fold cross-validation procedure. Our results verify the effectiveness of TF-IDF features in this classification task with Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under Curve of 81%, well above chance at 65%.
SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN TRANSITIONS BETWEEN FRAILTY STATES IN THE VERY OLD: THE NEWCASTLE 85+ STUDY
Authors: Jagger Carol , Mendonca Nuno , Kingston Andrew , Robinson Louise , Yadegarfar Mohammad E , Hanson Helen , Duncan Rachel 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Early-life socio-economic position (SEP), defined by education, remains a significant factor in disability progression in Innovation in Aging, 2019, Vol. 3, No. S1 225 GSA 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting very old age, but there is less evidence for its effect on frailty progression. We used the Newcastle 85+ Study, a longitudinal cohort of people born in 1921 and aged 85 at first assessment in 2006, and followed up at 18, 36, and 60 months. Of the 845 participants at baseline, the Fried frailty status (FFS) was available for 696 participants at baseline of whom 60% (n=414) were women. The effects of SEP in early, mid (occupation) and late-life (area deprivation) on frailty transitions between age 85 and 90 were investigated in multistate models. We found no significant effect of education on any frailty transitions. However those living in less deprived areas were less likely to die when frail (HR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.40-0.89), and this remained significant after further adjustment for education and morbidity count.
LINKING ETHNIC MINORITY ELDERS TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: CHALLENGES TO BUILDING NETWORKS
Authors: Glicksman Allen , Ring Lauren , Torres Sandra 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Building networks that are effective in linking older adults to supportive programs and services often involves challenges related to access, eligibility requirements, the elder's ability to understand enrollment processes, and lack of trust in service providers. For ethnic minority elders these challenges are often greater due to additional linguistic and cultural barriers. The four presentations on this panel address challenges to building effective service networks for ethnic minority elders using data derived from focus groups with members of these communities and those tasked with providing their care. The first presentation (Graham and Tseng) examines the Village model, a model designed to empower older adults, and asks why more Latino, African American and Asian elders do not participate. The second paper (Ågård) looks at communication difficulties as a source for understanding the nature of cross-cultural discussions around end of life issues with ethnic minority patients. The third paper (Ajrouch, Janevic, and Antonucci) explores how caregiving programs for Alzheimer’s Disease patients can be modified to better serve Arabic speaking caregivers. The final paper (Ring, Liebman, Glicksman and Rodriguez) uses data collected among Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin) speaking elders to design a conceptual model which describes how ethnic minority and other elderly navigate the Long Term Care Services and Supports network. Our respondent will place these papers within the growing theoretical work on diversity and care support.
A FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH TO DEMENTIA CAREGIVING AMONG ARAB AMERICANS
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine , Ajrouch Kristine , Janevic Mary , Antonucci Toni C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper presents the process by which we adapted an existing Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) caregiver support intervention that is directed at multiple family caregivers and culturally-responsive to the needs of the Arab American community. Three focus group discussions with Arab American families caring for a family member with ADRD were organized in partnership with the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). Focus group discussions included two members from each family to gather data on needs of Arab American ADRD caregivers, role of family in caregiving and use of technology for caregiving information. Results underscored the lack of and desire for knowledge around ADRD, and the perception by Arab Americans that they differ from non-Arab Americans in approaches to caregiving (e.g., person with ADRD often moves from one child’s house to another). These data confirm the need for caregiving interventions responsive to Arab American needs/preferences.
NOTES FROM THE FIELD: TAPPING INTO RESILIENCE THROUGH REFLECTIVE WRITING
Authors: Holmes Holly M , Cole Thomas R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Reflective writing is a powerful tool that can help healthcare providers address burnout and access inner strength. We describe the formation and functioning of a writing group for palliative care and geriatrics physicians at McGovern Medical School. The group has served several functions, including the promotion professional and personal growth. Using reflective writing and prompts, our group has explored issues of compassion, caregiving, grief, and loss. Group writing has provided a safe space for processing and letting go of professional and personal stressors related to caring for patients and to demands in our daily lives. The positive impact of the writing group has extended to caregiving and to other writing, including technical writing. This symposium is designed for healthcare professionals in all disciplines who are interested in exploring the use of reflective writing in regular practice.
EXPERIENCES IN CREATING A WRITING GROUP
Authors: Flores Renee J , Rianon Nahid J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Writing and publication in an academic setting is vital for advancing careers and knowledge. Attempting to increase scholarly productivity, our division created a physician-writing group, led by a prolific humanities expert to hone our writing skills. An unexpected outcome was realized. Using a mix of reflective, intent-driven, impromptu writing exercises and group sharing we discovered new opportunities for personal and professional growth through empathy. During these 1-hour sessions, several organic themes emerged. These included gaining greater inner-personal insight and recognizing inter-personal similarities in career paths and provider benevolence as motivation to continue when experiencing emotional fatigue and burnout. Ultimately, while honing our professional writing skills we also stimulated compassion to ourselves and our colleagues, opening new sources of resilience. We plan to continue these sessions exploring the potential multifaceted impacts on professional/academic growth these sorts of writing groups can have for geriatric and palliative medicine professionals and other healthcare providers.
USING REFLECTIVE WRITING TO PROMOTE RESILIENCE
Authors: Leech Ana L , Koshy Anson J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Patients invite us, rather reluctantly sometimes, into their lives during some of their most difficult moments; these encounters change us even if it is not readily apparent. Gathering for this writing group, we have found that creating a permanent record of our deepest thoughts and feelings enables further analysis and discussion in a collegial and supportive environment. In this paper, I relate one clinical story as an example. I will never forget caring for Mr. R. during what I can only call an ordeal, but writing it down, exploring my chosen words, and sharing them with the team brought validation and closure to what would have been a deep wound in my soul. The scar remains, being remodeled by time, experience, and other wounds, softened through writing and sharing, becoming part of me. We explore one way in which supportive writing groups can foster professional relationships and growth.
WORK FORCE COMPETENCIES AND TRAINING FOR SELF-DIRECTED SERVICE PROGRAMS
Authors: Sciegaj Mark , Hooyeman Nancy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In 2017 over one million individuals of all ages were enrolled in approximately 260 self-directed long-term services and support programs nationwide. Research conducted by the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Care (NRCPDS) and the Council for Social Work Education identified training gaps among current aging and disability network professionals and within social work education. Believing that both self-directing individuals and their family caregivers would benefit from a workforce that has the knowledge and skills to implement the principles of self-directed care, NRCPDS and CSWE working with national professional organizations and government agencies have identified workforce competency domains and developed a number of training resources that can be used in both academic and professionals settings. This presentation will review the work of NRCPDS and CSWE in workforce competencies, training resources, and recommendations for self-directed services training.
THE PITTSBURGH FATIGABILITY SCALE: VALIDATION OF THE MENTAL SUBSCALE IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Renner Sharon W , Brown Patrick J , Bear Todd M , Andersen Stacy L , Cosentino Stephanie , Boudreau Robert M , Santanasto Adam J , Glynn Nancy W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We previously validated the physical, but not the mental subscale of the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS). Thus, we aimed to validate the PFS mental subscale in 1,738 individuals aged ≥60 from the Long Life Family Study (55.5% female, age 74.8±11.1 years, PFS mental score 7.1±10.1, range 0-50). Confirmatory factor analysis with promax rotation showed all 10 items loaded on two factors: social and physical activities (SRMR=0.07, RMSEA=0.13, CFI=0.90). PFS mental score had strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.90) and demonstrated moderate concurrent and construct validity using Pearson correlations against measures of cognition (Trail Making A (r=0.26) and B (r=0.29) time), gait speed (r=-0.30), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (r=0.35), p&lt;0.0001 for all. In conclusion, by accounting for self-pacing inherent in common fatigue questionnaires, the validated PFS mental subscore may be a more sensitive tool to examine perceived mental fatigability as an important contributor to cognitive and physical function.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF HELPING OTHERS: INNOVATIVE METHODS TO UNDERSTAND STRAINS AND GAINS
Authors: Haley William E , Pillemer Karl 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Older adults are often involved in prosocial behaviors including volunteering, informal assistance to family members, or extensive caregiving for family with chronic disease or disability. Many studies find that volunteering and providing informal support can enhance health and well-being, but family caregiving has generally been characterized as being highly stressful and harmful to health and well-being. Recent research has suggested that involvement in prosocial activities, including caregiving, can actually build resilience and buffer the impacts of stress, and that the commonalities across different types of prosocial behaviors in older adults deserve greater attention. This symposium brings together researchers who are using innovative methods to study prosocial behaviors, including measuring daily experiences and their linkages with affect, epidemiological methods, and use of health outcomes including serum biomarkers of inflammation and immunity, activity tracking, and mortality. Results across the presentations show that the effects of helping others can be considered as mixed blessings, with potentially harmful and helpful effects depending on contextual factors. Factors including a history of adverse childhood experiences, and dementia caregiving, can create particular challenges. The Discussant, Dr. Karl Pillemer, will discuss implications for future research on volunteering, informal assistance to family, and family caregiving. He will also address ways that gerontological researchers can present a more balanced public narrative about how stressful experiences such as caregiving can produce not only negative affect, but also potentially positive health benefits, resilience to stress, and personal growth.
DESIGNING FAMILY CAREGIVER STUDIES THAT BALANCE STRESS PROCESS AND HELPING RELATIONSHIP PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Roth David L , Haley William , Sheehan Orla , Walston Jeremy , Rhodes David , Howard Virginia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Family caregiving is often characterized as a chronically stressful situation, and stress process models have been the dominant conceptual foundation underlying caregiving studies for decades. Recently, this perspective has been augmented with more positive views that emphasize potentially healthy and prosocial aspects of caregiving. Replicated findings from population-based studies show that caregivers have lower mortality rates than noncaregivers, consistent with the more balanced conceptual approach. The Caregiving Transitions Study is investigating 251 participants who transitioned into a caregiving role at some point between two blood samples taken 10 years apart in a national epidemiological study and 251 matched controls. Preliminary analyses confirm that caregiving leads to increased psychological distress. Ongoing analyses are examining changes in inflammatory biomarkers, health status, and positive aspects of caregiving. Findings will be examined alongside our recent meta-analysis of convenience samples that found caregiving to have small and inconsistent relationships with biomarkers of inflammation and immunity.