bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AMONG OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Shaw Ashley R , Bright Briana , Puchalt Jaime Perales , Vidoni Eric , Amparan Gabriela , Crawford Broderick 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing public health problem that continues to disproportionally impact African Americans. African Americans are twice as likely to be afflicted with AD compared to non-Latino Whites. However, continued lack of inclusion of African Americans in clinical research trials may reduce the generalizability of future treatments. We investigated how culturally tailored prevention education impacted knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of AD among older African Americans. We also assessed how culturally tailored prevention education impacted participation in clinical research trials among older African Americans. Researchers delivered “Aging with Grace,” a culturally tailored dementia program to community and faith-based organizations. Demographic information, knowledge of AD, and beliefs of clinical research trials were collected using pre- and post-surveys. In addition, information from community members interested in enrolling in a clinical research study was acquired. A total of 66 community members attended “Aging with Grace” from March to August 2019. 32% of participants perceived an increase in AD knowledge. Most participants (89.1%) believed that more African Americans should participate in research and 29 (44%) expressed interest in enrolling in clinical trials (observational – 73.2%, prevention – 68.2%, treatment – 24.4%). Most participants (93.1%) rated the presentation highly informative and 78% reported that the presentation was very applicable to their daily life. Overall knowledge of AD and interest in participating clinical trials improved with culturally tailored education. Future research should explore ways of enhancing knowledge and participation to enhance inclusion in prevention and treatment trials.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN IN THE CONTEXT OF ELDER ABUSE INTERVENTION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF VICTIMS?
Authors: Burnes David , Hsieh Jessica , Scher Clara , Zanotti Paula , Burchett Chelsie O , Sirey Jo Anne , Lachs Mark 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adult protective services (APS) and other community-based agencies respond to hundreds of thousands of elder abuse cases each year in the United States; however, little is known about what constitutes success in the context of elder abuse response intervention. This study explored the meaning of elder abuse intervention success from the perspective of victims themselves toward the development of a victim-centric taxonomy of outcomes. Guided by a phenomenological qualitative methodology, this study conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews with a sample of elder abuse victims (n = 30) recruited from APS in the states of Maine, New York, and California, as well as a community-based elder abuse social service program in New York City. To enhance trustworthiness, two researchers independently analyzed transcript data to identify key transcript statements into themes. Outcomes of success were identified across broad domains related to the victim, perpetrator, victim-perpetrator relationship, family system, and home environment. Specifically, common themes represented outcomes related to victim safety, autonomy, social support, and state of mind; perpetrator independence and accountability; and victim-perpetrator separation. For decades, the field of elder abuse has struggled to understand how to define success in the context of community-based intervention from a client-centered perspective. The taxonomy developed in this study provides a comprehensive and conceptually organized range of successful outcomes to serve as infrastructure for the development of meaningful intervention outcome measures. This study represents one of the largest efforts to understand and integrate the perspectives and needs of victims into elder abuse intervention practice/research to date.
AN INTEGRATED TRANSITIONAL CARE MODEL FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MULTIMORBIDITY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Markle-Reid Maureen , McAiney Carrie , Ganann Rebecca , Fisher Kathryn , Bartholomew Amy , Janet McElhaney , Alain Gauthier , Gafni Amiram 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This pragmatic randomized controlled trial examined the implementation, effectiveness and costs of a nurse-led transitional care intervention to improve hospital-to-home transitions for 127 older adults (≥ 65 years) with depressive symptoms and multimorbidity in three Ontario communities. Participants were randomly allocated to receive the intervention plus usual care (n=63) or usual care alone (n=64). The intervention included an average of 5 in-home visits and 6 phone calls from a Registered Nurse (RN) over a 6-month period. The RN provided system navigation, patient education, medication review, and management of depressive symptoms and chronic conditions. Implementation outcomes included engagement rate, intervention dose, and feasibility of intervention implementation. Effectiveness outcomes included quality of life, depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support, and health and social service use and costs. Participants were an average of 76 years and had an average of 8 chronic conditions. Findings suggest that the intervention was feasible and acceptable to participants and providers. Intention-to-treat analyses using ANCOVA models showed no statistically significant group differences for the outcomes. However, the upper 95% confidence interval for the mean group difference showed greater clinically significant improvements in physical functioning in the intervention group. Quantile regression showed that the intervention may result in greater improvements in physical functioning for individuals with low to average physical functioning values compared to the control group. The intervention may also result in higher levels of perceived social support for individuals with a range of social support values. No statistically significant group differences were observed for service use or costs.
PET VISITATION AS NARRATIVE CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN THERAPEUTIC SETTINGS
Authors: Yamasaki Jill , Murfin Kelley 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A growing body of research highlights the physiological and psychosocial benefits of pet visitation programs in therapeutic settings. These programs utilize the profound connection between humans and animals to promote holistic healing, foster greater quality of life, and influence meaningful communication between patients and providers. For older adults in hospitals or long-term care, these benefits are often correlated with moments of pleasure, comfort, relaxation, and entertainment. The current study builds on this prior knowledge by examining pet visitation programs as a novel form of narrative care that can also help preserve biographical continuity and promote the sharing of lived stories. We worked with two volunteer pet visitation programs in Houston and one in Los Angeles. Our research included a variety of ethnographic methods, including participant observation; informal interviews with providers, patients (or residents, depending on the context), and their families; semi-structured interviews with volunteers; and discourse review of organizational materials. We employed a method of constant comparison to identify and thematically analyze recurrent patterns of behavior and overarching meanings across the data. Three primary themes emerged from the data: (a) compassion, (b) connection, and (c) response. Collectively, the presence of pets prompted stories and behaviors that foster healing relationships characterized by empathy and mutual understanding between patients (or residents), family members, and providers. Pet visitation programs facilitate storied conversations, increased autonomy, and alternative ways of knowing that promote greater understandings of the patient’s (or resident’s) psychosocial context and biographical history, leading to more personalized care and improved well-being.
PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY AMONG MEXICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Downer L Paige B , Wong Rebeca 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The incidence of mental health problems, specifically depression, are increasing among older adults. Previous research identified psychosocial characteristics related to mental resiliency, such as increased conscientiousness and internal locus of control, as contributing to improved health behaviors and better physical and mental health outcomes. This study identifies the association between these psychosocial traits and depressive symptomatology among Mexican adults aged 50 and older using Wave 4 of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2015). We hypothesize that psychosocially ‘strong’ older Mexican adults, those with higher levels of conscientiousness and an internal locus of control, will report fewer depressive symptoms; we theorize that gender moderates this relationship. Older Mexican adults’ mental health status was measured through depressive symptomatology using a 9-item version of the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Conscientiousness was measured using a 6-item sub-dimension of the “Big 5” personality scale. Locus of control was measured using an 8-item scale adapted from Rotter (1966). Multivariable linear regression was performed and adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics and comorbid chronic health conditions. Depressive symptoms were lower with higher age and formal education; however, older adults in rural environments who are divorced/separated or widowed exhibit higher depressive symptoms. The association between conscientiousness and depressive symptoms differed by gender. Locus of control and conscientiousness influenced depressive symptomatology in men, however, only conscientiousness impacted women’s depressive symptoms. Continued research is needed to assess psychosocial changes over the life-course as they contribute to resilience from adverse life-events that influence mental health in old age.
EXPLORING HOW “TELE-SAVVY” INFLUENCES SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS FOR DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Epps Fayron , Maloch Elizabeth , Griffiths Patricia , Hepburn Ken 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Tele-Savvy is a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a psychoeducation intervention that equips dementia family caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide care to their person, while also caring for themselves. This RCT is currently underway, with cohorts rotating through over a period of 12 months. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the effectiveness of Tele-Savvy (active) versus Healthy Living Intervention (attention control) or usual care (waitlist) on self-care behaviors among dementia family caregivers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 caregivers after their initial participation in either the active, attention control, or usual care groups. Interviews elicited caregivers’ perceptions regarding the program’s influence on their self-care behaviors and engagement in self-care activities. The overall emerging theme for the family caregivers who participated in the Tele-Savvy and Healthy Living programs was “increased awareness of self-care activities”. Family caregivers in the Healthy Living program spoke mainly about engaging more in physical activities and improving their nutrition by eating healthier and keeping track of foods. Across all study groups, social engagement and having a support system were common self-care activities. Various limitations to engaging in self-care activities while in enrolled in the study included time and caregiving responsibilities. Suggestions were made for more respite services to become available to allow for family caregivers to engage in self-care activities. These findings provide researchers and practitioners with pertinent information to develop and refine programs for family caregivers to improve their self-care practices.
EFFECTS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL EXERCISE BUDDY PROGRAM ON PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Kim Eun hae , Chee Kyong Hee , DeStefano Clay , Broome Anna 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Structured social support may enhance the benefits of an exercise class for participants. This study examined the effects of an intergenerational exercise buddy program on participant well-being. A convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from Central Texas (N = 51): 34 were community-dwelling adults aged 65 and above, and 17 were university students aged 18-25 years. The study used a pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design and focus group interviews. Randomly selected 18 older-adult participants were paired with young-adult participants as an exercise buddy for each other to attend 8 weekly Tai Chi or Chair Yoga classes at a community center. Meanwhile, 16 older-adult participants formed a control group attending different exercise classes without young-adult buddies. The survey results show that, compared to the control group, the intervention group (n = 35) had significantly greater satisfaction with life (p &lt; .09 ) and a more positive attitude towards aging (p &lt; .01) after attending exercise classes with their buddies. In focus group interviews, the participants most frequently mentioned that commitment to their buddies as a key factor for class attendance. The participants typically perceived that their buddies were pleasant and did not judge or treat them based on their age. They stressed the positive effects of building relationships with all involved in the program, including the exercise instructors. Meanwhile, control-group participants wished that they, too, had buddies. Although the study should be replicated with a larger sample, its findings suggest that an intergenerational exercise program offers added benefits for participants.
IMPROVED HEALTHSPAN AND LIFESPAN WITH LATE ONSET PHARMACOLOGICAL OR DIETARY INTERVENTIONS IN MICE
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , MacArthur Michael , Kane Alice , Torrence Margaret , Manning Brendan , mItchell James 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
While late-onset dietary (e.g. calorie restriction) or pharmacological (e.g. rapamycin) interventions can extend longevity in rodents, whether or not they can be used to reverse or forestall onset of aging-related symptoms (i.e. frailty) remains untested. Here, we employed methionine restriction (MR), a dietary intervention associated with weight loss and longevity extension, or a fumagillin derivative, ZGN-1062, as a pharmacological agent associated with weight loss across multiple species. 21mo Male and female C57BL/6 mice were randomized to one of three groups: control, 0.1% MetR, or ZGN-1062 (1.5mg/kg). There was no difference in frailty index (FI) amongst groups at baseline (21 mo age). MetR and ZGN-1062 treatments resulted in modest weight loss independent of sex. After 6 months, FI increased consistent with reduced healthspan in control males (0.23+/-0.01 to 0.34+/-0.01 A.U, p&lt;0.0001) and females at this age (0.19+/-0.03 to 0.24+/-0.01, p&lt;0.0001). Male MetR and ZGN-1062 mice had significantly lower FI scores after 6 mo of treatment (MetR: 0.28+/-0.04, p&lt;0.0001; ZGN-1062: 0.29+/-0.05, p=0.0002). While female mice were not significantly different from controls, they were, overall, less frail than males at 26 months, suggesting sexual dimorphism in the timing frailty onset in mice. Although the end points of this study have not been reached (survival studies are ongoing), the data obtained to date suggest that late-life treatments can improve healthspan markers, at least in male mice. Such treatments include a pharmacological intervention associated with weight loss, which may be a more practical therapeutic strategy towards mitigation of age-related healthspan decline than dietary restriction-based interventions.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND DEMENTIA: AN ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: AlHasan Dana M , Lohman Matthew , Miller Maggi , Hirsch Jana A , Cai Bo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Research has examined the relationship between neighborhood environments and cognitive decline, yet few have investigated the role of neighborhood characteristics specifically on dementia. This ecologic study examined the geographic distribution of dementia incidence and investigated ecologic associations between census-tract neighborhood characteristics and diagnosed dementia case incidence from 2010-2014 in the South Carolina (SC) Alzheimer’s Disease Registry. Analyses took place on the census-tract level (n=1089) with population ≥1. Neighborhood measures came from the Decennial Census, American Community Survey, Rural Commuting Area Code, and County Health Rankings. To estimate the ecologic association between neighborhood characteristics and dementia incidence, we conducted a zero-inflated, negative binomial mixed-effects model. The overall age-sex standardized dementia incidence rate was 2,885.4 per 100,000 people per census tract from 2010-2014 in SC (95% CI: 2857-2913.7). In an adjusted model, neighborhood characteristics had a significant association with dementia incidence. Rural and small urban census tracts had 62% (IRR=0.38; 95% CI= 0.27-0.54) and 58% (IRR=0.42; 95% CI= 0.29-0.60) lower dementia incidence, respectively, among ≥50 years old compared to urban census tracts while adjusting for neighborhood median-household income, racial composition, commute time, and age structure. The results from this study show a negative relationship between rural neighborhoods and dementia, contrary to previous findings. However, lower access to care in rural neighborhoods can result in lower detection rates and thus could present a reporting bias. Future research should investigate additional census-tract neighborhood characteristics (e.g. green space, pollution rates or psychosocial stress) that contribute to lower dementia rates in rural areas.
AGE-RELATED CHANGES TO MACROPHAGES AFFECT FRACTURE HEALING
Authors: Clark Daniel , Miclau Theodore , Nakamura Mary , Marcucio Ralph 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Fracture healing follows a strict temporal sequence characterized by an initial inflammatory phase. Perturbation of the inflammatory phase may be responsible for the poorer fracture healing outcomes in older adults. Herein, we examine age-related changes to the macrophage during fracture healing. Macrophages regulate inflammation through pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. Anti-inflammatory activity is promoted via activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Tibia fractures were made in old (24 months) and young (3 months) mice. Immune cells from the fracture callus were analyzed via RNAseq and FACS, and fracture healing was evaluated histologically. Old mice demonstrated significantly delayed fracture healing compared to young (p&lt;0.05). The quantity of infiltrating macrophages into the fracture callus was similar in young and old mice. However, 1222 genes were significantly differentially regulated (FDR&lt;0.1) in callus macrophages from old mice compared to young, and old macrophages demonstrated a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. TREM2 expression was increased in macrophages after fracture in both groups but was significantly less in old mice compared to young via RNAseq and FACS (FDR&lt;0.1, p&lt;0.05). TREM2-/- mice demonstrated increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression within the callus with resulting significant delays in fracture healing compared to age-matched controls (p&lt;0.05). Inhibition of macrophage infiltration into the fracture callus significantly improved fracture healing in old mice compared to age-matched controls. Age-related changes to macrophages, including increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and dysregulated TREM2 expression, may explain fracture healing deficits observed in older adults. Therapeutically targeting macrophages may improve management of fractures in older adults.
CURIOSITY TOWARDS ROBOT: THE ROLE OF AGE AND PERSONAL RELEVANCE
Authors: Chu Li , Fung Helene H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Being curious has various physical, social and psychological benefits. However, theories like the socioemotional selectivity theory suggest that information seeking goals tend to be overshadowed by emotionally meaningful goals with age. Personality and social psychology research also found consistent decline of curiosity in later adulthood. In contrast, selective engagement theory propose that people simply become more selective on where they allocate their cognitive resources as they age. Particularly, older adults tend to invest in things that have personal relevance. Yet, few studies have explored the interaction between age and personal relevance in the context of information seeking tendencies. We conducted a pre-test-post-test experiment with 50 younger (age 19-34) and 50 older adults (age 60-78). Participants were invited to learn about a robot (Vector by Anki) and freely interact with the robot for about 30 minutes. Questionnaires were filled before and after the interaction. Our results confirmed previous findings that older adults showed lower level of trait curiosity than younger adults (F(1, 98)=21.94, p&lt;.001, ΔR2=). However, older adults actually showed higher level of state curiosity towards robot than their younger counterparts (F(1, 96)=21.94, p&lt;.001). Moreover, there was a marginally significant interaction effect of personal relevance (p = .06). Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed that older adults who perceived increased relevance (M=5.39) after the interaction were significantly more curious than younger adults who also perceived increased relevance (M=4.51, p=.02), but there was no significant age difference when they perceived decreased relevance. Present study offers insights on promoting curiosity among older adults.
BARRIERS TO ORAL HEALTH IN THE OLDER POPULATION
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Tepper Lynn , Kunzel Carol 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A strong challenge is posed for patients and their caretakers by the growing need for promoting oral healthcare for this population, as research substantiates the connection between oral health and systemic health. This study identified the major barriers to providing optimal oral care to the older population. Fifty patients aged 60 and over visiting the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Clinic were administered a questionnaire which reflected possible barriers to oral health care. Statistical analysis of data revealed that the top three barriers in order of relevance were the (1) cost of treatment, (2) anxiety, and (3) transportation. The youngest old (60-69) indicated that the lack of time and conflict with work schedules were additional barriers, while the older sample (70+) experienced obstacles due to disability and illness. When gender differences were analyzed, transportation was the most significant as a barrier among males, and fear/anxiety was most significant for females. Ethnically, non-Hispanics indicated that (1) shortage of time, (2) anxiety, and (3) lack of social/physical support were significant barriers. Findings indicated that even those with Medicaid insurance coverage believed that the cost of dental treatment and caregiving responsibilitieswere major barriers to seeking care. Conversely, even those without dental insurance indicated that disability and illness were barriers to seeking care. This pilot study highlighted various barriers to oral health care and highlighted the need for intervention to address barriers, such as social services, expanded Medicaid coverage, and transportation assistance, to ultimately improve access to optimal oral health care.