bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND MEMORY: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF RECIPROCAL IMPACTS ACROSS OLD AGE
Authors: Schilling Oliver K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Research on the association of alcohol consumption with cognitive aging revealed mixed evidence: Whereas a u-shaped relationship has been found in many studies, suggesting that low to moderate alcohol consumption predicts more favorable cognitive outcomes than abstinence, other findings suggest that alcohol is a more linearly related risk factor for cognitive decline. These inconsistencies may partly be due to methodological variation in the statistical modeling of intraindividual changes in both, alcohol consumption and cognition across old age. The present study analyzed longitudinal change in and the mutual effects between alcohol consumption habits and verbal episodic memory (word list recall), using vector autoregressive (VAR) mixed models with nonlinear cross-lagged effects. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing was examined, including N=13388 aged 50+ (M=67.6, SD=9.25; 54.7% female), assessed at up to eight occasions with two-year follow-up intervals (2002/3–2016/17). The self-reported one-year frequency of alcohol drinking days (ADD) served as indicator of alcohol consumption. Basically, ADD predicted follow-up memory performance in a reverse u-shaped fashion, indicating best memory performance after moderate ADD, compared with both ends of the ADD continuum (i.e., drinking never vs. every day). Considering moderators, most notably age did not interact with cross-lagged effects, suggesting that those observed across an older age-range were not more (or less) vulnerable to effects of alcohol consumption on memory performance. Thus, this study adds further support for non-detrimental, if not beneficial, effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive aging – regarding in particular age-related loss of episodic memory.
RACIAL-ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN THE EFFECTS OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE AFFECT, AND DEPRESSION ON COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Park Soohyun , Shin Su Hyun , Allen Rebecca S , Kim Giyeon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose of study: This study investigated (1) whether positive affect(PA), negative affect(NA), and depression are related to trajectories of cognitive functioning among older adults, (2) whether PA or NA could moderate the relationship between depression and cognitive trajectories, and (3) whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the relationships among PA, NA, depression and cognitive trajectories. Design and Methods: Growth-curve modeling was conducted using the sample of 10,289 individuals in the U.S. aged 50 or older from the 2006-2014 Health and Retirement Study. Racial/ethnic groups in this study were non-Hispanic Whites (NHW, n=8.009), African Americans (AA, n=1,428), Hispanics (n=611), and others (n=241). Results: After adjusting for covariates, PA showed positive effect, and depression had negative effect on cognitive functioning trajectories (p &lt; .05, z = 8.76, 95% CI= 0.27, 0.43; p &lt; .05, z = -6.38, 95% CI= -0.19, -0.10). Racial/ethnic minorities (i.e., AA, Hispanics, others) exhibited lower cognitive functioning over time compared to NHW. PA significantly moderated the effect of depression on cognitive trajectories (p &lt; .05, z = - 8.04, 95% CI = -0.19, -0.11), and the protective effect of PA against cognitive decline was pronounced for AA (p &lt; .05, z = 2.75, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.63). Conclusion: Findings suggest that PA may protect against cognitive decline in older adults, providing a buffer against the negative effect of depression or racial/ethnic minority status on cognitive trajectories. Potential intervention strategies are discussed to assist older adults in maintaining and improving PA to promote cognitive health.
SUBJECTIVE MEMORY COMPLAINTS AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Gallagher Elizabeth A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Cognitive health is a rising public health concern in the U.S. Currently, approximately 5.7 million older adults suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and by the year 2050 this number is expected to increase to 14 million. Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are shown to be an early indicator of cognitive decline, and accordingly included as a clinical criterion for diagnoses of MCI, an indicator of pre-dementia states, and a research criterion for AD diagnoses. Among older adults, depressive symptoms hinder the accuracy of memory self-ratings. However, there has yet to be consensus regarding the nature of how depressive symptoms may condition the relationship between SMC and cognitive performance. The aims of the present study are to both investigate whether SMC is related to episodic memory and to determine whether depressive symptoms act as a moderator for the relationship between SMC and episodic memory among older adults. This research used nationally representative sample of 8,123 older adults aged 65 and older who completed the Leave Behind Questionnaire in the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Linear regression was performed and results showed that there was a significant main effect of SMC on episodic memory performance, in that older adults with increased SMC have worse episodic memory. There was also a significant moderating effect of depressive symptoms, in that depressive symptoms cause older adults to underestimate their memory abilities. In order to use SMC as a tool for early detection efforts it is critical to understand these complex relationships.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND ENGAGEMENT IN COGNITIVELY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES
Authors: Swenor Bonnielin , Munoz beatriz , Simonsick Eleanor M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We examined the relationship between visual impairment (VI) and engagement in cognitively stimulating activities using data from 924 participants in the Cognitive Vitality Sub-Study of the Health ABC Study. At Year 3 (baseline for these analyses), vision was assessed as: visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and stereo acuity (SA). Participation in cognitively stimulating activities was determined based on responses to 12 questions (administered at Years 3, 5, 7, and 9) assessing frequency of participation ranging from none to daily. We calculated the total number of activities engaged in at least monthly. In cross-sectional analyses adjusted for age, race, and sex, impaired VA (≤20/40, 8%), CS (&lt;1.55, 5%), and SA (&lt;80 secs arc, 29%) was associated with participation in fewer cognitive activities (β=-0.54, 95% CI:-1.06, -0.03; β=-0.59, 95% CI:-0.12, 0.06; β=-0.40, 95% CI:-0.81, -0.18, respectively). Longitudinally, change per year in the number of activities differed by baseline participation levels. Those participating in ≥5 activities at baseline (population median) had a significant decline in the number of activities, irrespective of VI status. However, for those participating in &lt;5 activities at baseline, the increase in these activities tended to be lesser in the VI than in non-VI groups, and for SA this increase was significantly lower for the impaired group (βimpaired=0.004; 95% CI:-0.05, 0.05; βnot-impaired=0.06; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.10; time x SA interaction p=0.0496). These data indicate that older adults with VI participate in fewer cognitive activities and the change in participation over time differs from than those without VI.
THE ASSOCIATION OF MILD TBI WITH EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA IN POST-9/11 VETERANS
Authors: Pugh Mary Jo , Sagiraju Hari Krishna Raju , Eapen Blessen , Swan Alicia A , Wells Margaret , Soble Jason R , Marceaux Janice C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Evidence produced by studies using ICD-9 codes to identify dementia suggests that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can accelerate age-related neurodegeneration and dementia risk. However, ICD-9 codes are unreliable in identifying early onset dementia (&lt;65 years; EOD) in civilian (positive predictive value [PPV]=58%) and VA (PPV=28%). From 1,724 Veterans &lt;65years of age with 2 or more dementia diagnoses based on ICD-9 codes recommended by VA Dementia Steering Committee, we validated dementia diagnoses in 153 randomly selected cases using medical chart abstractions and reviews by a neuropsychologist panel. We matched valid cases based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, year of entry to VA care, and branch of service to 2490 controls with no indicators of dementia or cognitive impairment. TBI severity was defined using multiple DoD and VA data sources. We also identified diagnoses for mental (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders) and other medical conditions (e.g., stroke) associated with dementia. We used conditional logistic regression to examine the association of TBI severity with EOD controlling for comorbidity. After controlling for mental health and other comorbid conditions mild TBI (mTBI) was significantly associated with validated EOD [aOR( 95%CI): mTBI-4.5(2.4-8.9), moderate/severe TBI-21.3(8.4-54.3)]. Stroke, depression, PTSD, and headache were also associated with higher odds of EOD. These findings suggest that Veterans with mTBI are at risk for dementia, and clinicians should consider brief screening for cognitive dysfunction to ensure that they receive timely treatment to mitigate and address the impact of dementia on the individual, caregiver, family, and health care system
TRAINING SENIOR VOLUNTEERS TO IMPLEMENT A GROUP MUSIC INTERVENTION FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Orsulic-Jeras Silvia , Nicolay Sarah , Kane Cristen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a national program with many regional offices that offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for seniors. Research demonstrates the importance of volunteering and social participation on the well-being, health and longevity of older individuals. Further, studies of RSVP volunteers have demonstrated marked improvement in their perceived physical, mental health and quality of life (McDonald et al., 2013). Little evidence exists, however, supporting the effectiveness of using senior volunteers to assist with or even lead activities programming for persons with dementia (PWDs). Seniors Making Connections through Music, a group program designed to engage persons in the moderate to advance stages of dementia, included the training of 21 RSVP volunteers to lead or assist with the program. Volunteers were mostly female (95%) and educated (80% college/advanced degree), with more than half reporting professional or personal experiences with dementia (62%). Data were gathered through structured interviews and post-session debrief meetings. Findings suggest volunteers felt they were able to use existing knowledge and experience, received good and helpful supervision, and reported increased knowledge of dementia after volunteering for the group. Other results summarize: Volunteer satisfaction with program, role, tools and materials used, the program’s impact on the community, and willingness to volunteer for the program in the future. Programmatic features, training protocols, and the impact of using retired senior volunteers to strengthen program sustainability will be discussed. Volunteer testimonials and video demonstrations will also be shared.
ADVANCING POLICY TO BUILD A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE THAT ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kietzman Kathryn G , Palimaru Alina , Frank Janet C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
California’s Mental Health Services Act has infused funding for workforce education and training into the public mental health system. However, funding has not kept pace with an existing behavioral health workforce shortage crisis, the rapid growth of an aging population, and the historical lack of geriatric training in higher education for the helping professions. This study draws on findings from a recent evaluation of how older adults are served by California’s public mental health delivery system, and a review of state planning documents and academic literature, to describe gaps and deficiencies in the workforce that serves older adults. While California has more than 80,000 licensed behavioral health professionals in a variety of disciplines, very few have specialized training in geriatrics. Across the U.S., there are fewer than 1,800 geriatric psychiatrists and only about 3% of medical students take any geriatrics electives during their training. Very few nurses (1%), psychologists (4%), or social workers (4%) have training in and/or specialize in geriatrics. Of additional concern in California is the lack of representation of ethnic and racial minorities, and rural/urban geographic disparities in the distribution of the behavioral health workforce. Recommendations for advancing policy change to improve the preparation and distribution of the geriatric behavioral workforce are presented to three distinct audiences: state policymakers and administrators; educational institutions, accrediting bodies, and licensing boards; and county mental health/behavioral health departments and their contracted providers.
EXPERIENCES AND BARRIERS TO SUCCESS FOR MID- AND LATER-LIFE COLLEGE STUDENTS: APPLYING A GERONTOLOGICAL LENS
Authors: Cummins Phyllis , Arbogast Annabelle , McGrew Kathryn , Bahr Peter 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adult students have emerged as a key population of interest within higher education as states and institutions strategize to meet postsecondary attainment goals. However, much of the previous research on non-traditional age college students has collapsed all students age 25 and older into a single category, glossing over important age and life stage differences. Using a gerontological lens, this paper examines experiences and barriers encountered by mid-and later-life (MLL) students (age 40 and older) attending community colleges. We report qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study of MLL students in Ohio community colleges, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences. Based on thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups with students, faculty, staff, and administrators at 23 colleges, we identify multiple dimensions of age and aging that each play a meaningful role in shaping MLL students’ community college experiences and outcomes. Additionally, we provide an in-depth profile of MLL students—including their educational and work trajectories, reasons for enrolling, and experiences in community colleges—that can help colleges better recruit and serve this segment of the adult student population. MLL students face both unique and common barriers that colleges can address at the classroom, program, and institution levels. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
ADULT CHILDREN’S UNDERSTANDING OF PARENTS’ CARE AND LIVING PREFERENCES AT END OF LIFE
Authors: McDarby Meghan , Picchiello Matthew , Kozlov Elissa K , Ju Catherine , Worthalter Dani , Carpenter Brian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adult children who are uninformed about their parents’ preferences for end-of-life care may not be prepared to advocate on their behalf when the circumstances arise. The purpose of the current analysis was to examine how well adult children understand their parents’ end of life preferences. We analyzed responses from adult children (n = 70) of 40 older adults (65+) who participated in an intervention to improve family communication about end-of-life care. We compared children’s and parents’ responses on the same set of 6 questions about healthcare decision-making (e.g., “Which medical decision-maker has the final say?”) and 4 questions about living preferences (e.g., “Would you want to move to a nursing home?”). We also examined demographic differences between children who had higher agreement (≥ 6/10 questions correct; n = 32) versus lower agreement (&lt;6/10 questions correct; n = 38). On average, children provided the same response as their parents on approximately 5 out of 10 questions. Overall, adult children answered more questions correctly about living preferences compared to preferences about healthcare decisions (t(69) = 6.59, p &lt; 0.001). In terms of demographic characteristics, there were no significant differences between children with higher and lower agreement with their parents’ preferences on variables including gender, frequency of contact with parents, and living proximity to parents. Our results underscore the need for increased communication between adult children and their parents about topics likely to influence quality of care at end of life.
COULD CHASING GRANDKIDS KEEP US YOUNG? THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CUSTODIAL GRANDPARENT STATUS AND HEALTH
Authors: Nadorff Danielle K , Williamson Emily A , McKay Ian T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
There are approximately 7.2 million grandparents living with their grandchildren in the United States. Of these, roughly 2.5 million are skipped-generation households in which grandparents are solely responsible for meeting the needs of their grandchildren (U.S. Census, 2017). Previous research has established that custodial grandparents suffer from added strain and burden compared to their peers, which negatively impacts their health (Lo, M., Liu, Y., 2009). A decline in functional ability has a negative impact on not only the lives of these older adult grandparents but also their family members who are dependent upon them for care. The current study examines adults aged 65 and older using data from the American Community Survey 2016 to assess the extent to which raising one’s grandchildren is associated with five areas commonly subject to decline in older adulthood: cognitive performance, self-care ability, ambulatory difficulty, hearing, and vision abilities. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses found that after controlling for the effects of age, sex, race, and income-to-poverty ratio, custodial grandparents (those who reported having primary responsibility for their grandchildren in their own home with no parents present) were significantly less likely than their peers to report experiencing any of these five disabilities. Details of each model and clinical implications will be discussed.
VALIDATION OF THE CAREGIVER REACTION SCALE IN A SAMPLE OF NON-HELP-SEEKING CAREGIVERS
Authors: Malley Kelly A O , Bacharz Kelsey , Qualls Sara H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Caregiver Reaction Scale (CRS) is a comprehensive measure of the family caregiving experience that assesses burden, family strains and positive aspects of caregiving (PAC). The CRS has been validated in sample of older adult help-seeking caregivers, but its validity and reliability in a non-help-seeking sample of caregivers was unknown. This study aimed to explore how well the CRS assesses the full caregiving experience in a younger non-help-seeking sample of family caregivers and to further evaluate the validity of the PAC subscales. A sample of non-help-seeking caregivers (N =452; Mage = 48.56, SD = 17.15) completed online questionnaires of burden, positive aspects of caregiving, and psychological well-being. All subscales of the CRS demonstrated very good internal consistency reliability (α ≤ .88). The PAC subscales of the CRS demonstrated medium to large positive correlations with a measure of positive aspects of caregiving (r ≥ .44) and small to medium positive correlations with psychological well-being (.25 ≥ r ≤ .42). Burden subscales of the CRS had large positive correlations with another measure of burden (r ≥ .66). Medium positive correlations were also found between family and job conflict subscales of the CRS and the burden measure (r ≥ .35). CRS PAC subscales were negatively correlated with the burden measure (r ≤ -.13). The CRS is a valid and reliable measure of the caregiving experience as evidenced by convergent and discriminant validity of CRS subscales and well validated measures of burden and positive aspects of caregiving.
GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS: THE RELATION BETWEEN SOCIAL NETWORKS AND RESILIENCE
Authors: Mendoza Nancy , Fruhauf Christine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Grandparents raising grandchildren experience multiple challenges as they take on the unexpected role of caring for their grandchildren, which usually occurs under stressful and stigmatizing conditions. Many of the challenges grandparents experience are well documented in the research. Less attention is given to understanding how a grandparent caregiver’s social network changes when s/he becomes a caregiver and how her/his social network influences resilience. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use social network analysis (SNA) to examine the relation between social networks and resilience in grandparents raising their grandchildren. This was done by conducting face-to-face interviews with twenty grandparents raising grandchildren after they completed a survey measuring social support, social isolation, and resilience. The interview protocol included questions related to participants’ social network, social support, and services. Prior to the interviews, using data from the surveys participants were identified as representing one of four resilience quadrants: resilient, maladaptive, competent, and vulnerable. Qualitative analysis of grandparent’s social networks across groups indicated resilient grandparent caregivers’ networks were structured in a way that provided more opportunities for the inflow of new information and resources. Whereas the proportion of professionals in maladaptive grandparent caregivers’ networks tended to be less than for other networks. This could suggest that for grandparent caregivers, having professionals in one’s network can be beneficial. Findings from the current study provide opportunities for future research such as identifying ways to help grandparent caregivers structure their social networks to promote resilience.
A BI-NATIONAL COMPARISON OF FEDERAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS FOR LOW-INCOME ELDERLY IN THE U.S. AND MEXICO
Authors: Aguila Emma , Angel Jaqueline L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Population aging in Mexico as in the United States is expected to accelerate over the next thirty years, and the proportion of individuals 65 and older will triple to approximately 20 percent by 2050 in both nations. Older people of Mexican origin are at high risk of protracted periods of poor health, a reality exacerbated by poverty. We use the Health and Retirement Study (HRS 2012-2014, N= 2,575) and Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS 2012-2015; N=16,131) to compare profiles of older Mexican-origin recipients of income supplements. We find Mexican immigrants are lower-income, less healthy, and less likely to receive supplements than Mexican origin in U.S. In contrast, return migrants are more likely to receive supplements than non-migrants in Mexico. Income supplement recipients are more likely to receive Medicaid and Seguro Popular. We discuss implications of financing safety net programs and the potential dependency burden in two countries aging rapidly.