bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias and Missing Data: Representation of Older Adults With Sensory Impairment in Epidemiologic Studies
Authors: Swenor Bonnielin , Gross Alden 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Diverse research populations are necessary to maximize the generalizability of results. Differences between people, including age, gender, racial or ethnic origin may impact observed associations in epidemiologic studies or influence the efficacy and safety of interventions in controlled trials. For these reasons, the diversity of research study populations is critical to public health and well-being. While there have been concerted efforts to examine and enhance the representation of older adults in research studies, not all subgroups of these populations, including those with sensory impairments, have been considered. Approximately 55% of adults 60 years and older have a vision and/or hearing impairment, yet despite this high prevalence, little attention has been paid to determining if or how sensory impairment affects research study participation or measurement of outcomes. This symposium aims to address these gaps, with a focus on how vision and hearing impairments may be associated with bias and missing data in epidemiologic studies of cognition and cognitive aging. The objective of this session is to highlight ongoing work in this novel area, and spark discussion and collaborations to catalyze this area of research.
Assessment of Hearing or Vision Impairment in Studies Collecting Cognitive Data in Older Adults
Authors: Liu Chelsea , Assi Lama , Nagarajan Niranjani , Powell Danielle , Jiang Kening , Villavisanis Dillan , Swenor Bonnielin , Deal Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of sensory impairment in older adults, there are no standard practices for its consideration in cognitive studies. We conducted a systematic review to identify and survey prospective cohort studies collecting cognitive data in older adults in order to determine whether and how hearing and vision were considered. Among 81 cohorts that responded, 30 (37%) objectively assessed hearing, with audiometry as the most frequently-used method; 61 (75%) used patient-report and 12 (15%) used provider-report to subjectively assess hearing. Forty-one (51%) cohorts objectively assessed vision, half of which measured distance or near visual acuity; 55 (68%) used patient-report and 10 (12%) used provider-report to subjectively assess vision. Nineteen (23%) cohorts offered hearing accommodations and 30 (37%) offered vision accommodations during cognitive testing. Findings indicate variation in methods used to assess hearing and vision as well as in accommodation practices that could impact estimates of cognition among older adults.
Maintenance of Health Behaviors: Exploring the Construct and Its Implications on Research, Education, and Practice
Authors: Hughes Jaime 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Modifying health behaviors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, and/or medication adherence, can have a range of positive effects on older adults’ overall health, function, and well-being. Although many evidence-based programs exist to support the initiation of health behavior changes, few address longterm maintenance. Emerging research suggests initiation and maintenance are distinct constructs, each requiring unique skills. Furthermore, maintaining health behaviors depends upon health promotion programs that are sustained, or continually delivered with high fidelity, at community and population levels. The objective of this symposium is to present findings from a series of research projects designed to investigate the concept of behavior change maintenance. Activities were supported by NIA Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) funding and included community listening sessions plus an interdisciplinary think tank of national thought leaders. This symposium will begin with an overview of health behavior change, including the rationale for studying maintenance as a critical yet overlooked phase of successful behavior change (J. Hughes). A proposed conceptual model of maintenance will then be discussed, including constructs distinguishing maintenance from initiation (Raj). These introductory presentations will be followed by a discussion of multi-level barriers and facilitators related to maintenance on individual, community, and population levels (S. Hughes). The session will close with implications for research, education, and practice (Bettger).
Innovative Approaches to Understanding Resilience
Authors: Windham B Gwen , Griswold Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Physical resilience, generally defined as the ability to recover or resist functional decline following a stressor, holds promise for clinicians to identify patients who are likely to benefit from a planned stressor (such as an elective procedure) or deteriorate after an unplanned stressor (such as heart failure). This symposium will present innovative research approaches that enhance understanding of the constructs of resilience from human and animal models. The symposium will include presentations from leading experts addressing issues in the study of resilience including choices of definitions, study design, comparator groups, and considerations of underlying latent factors. Data from population-based cohort studies and animal models will be presented to inform the discussions. This interdisciplinary symposium will address recommendations for advancing resilience knowledge through elucidating biologic, clinical and environmental influences and optimizing definitions, designs, and analyses. Epidemiology of Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
The Magic of Music for Improving Psychological Health for Those With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: MacDonald Stuart , Sheets Debra , Smith Andre 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Arts-based interventions for person’s with dementia and their caregivers represent an inexpensive, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological intervention with the potential to improve psychological function as well as reduce healthcare costs. The paper presents an overview of Voices in Motion (ViM), and the impact of this social-cognitive intervention on changes in psychological function for those with dementia and their caregivers (current n=26 dyads). Choir rehearsals were held on a weekly basis, and included a social discussion component. A range of outcomes (neuropsychological and physiological function, neural activation) were assessed using an intensive repeated measures design that facilitates both between- and within-person analyses, including nuanced evaluation of whether psychological function improves post intervention relative to an individual’s personal average, yielding a conservative within-person test of the benefits of intervention. Discussion focuses on the promise of such interventions for mitigating dementia symptoms and facilitating the psychological health of caregivers.
Tooth Retention and Health Behaviors: Findings From the 4th Chinese National Oral Health Survey
Authors: Ou Xiaoyan , Zeng Liwei , Zeng Yixuan , Pei Yaolin , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between tooth retention and health behaviors among Chinese older adults. Data was used from the Chinese 4th National Oral Health Survey, a national representative sample. The sample included 9054 older adults age 55-74. The control variables included age, gender, residence, region, education level, occupation, periodontal health, self-reported oral health, and self-reported general health. Logistic regression models shows that older adults who used tooth picks (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.94-3.85), dental floss (OR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.05-3.53), and toothpaste (OR=3.89, 95%CI: 3.14-4.83), and never smoked (OR=1.43 95%CI: 1.20-1.70) were more likely to retain more than 20 natural teeth; while having dental visit had the opposite association (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.39-052). Unexpectedly, this study did not find frequency of toothbrushing was associated with tooth retention. This study suggest that improving oral hygiene and preventive dental care are key for good oral health. .
I’m Not Creative in That Way: Older Adults’ Differential Experiences of an Arts-Based Intervention
Authors: Brown Colette , Chirino Andrea , Cortez Cristina , Gearhart Cassandra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A recent 12-week intervention study revealed that making conceptual art is linked to improved cognitive health among community-dwelling older adults (Brown et al., 2020). Unknown, however, is whether the intervention experience differed for participants who exhibited more versus less improvement. This pilot study examined 163 excerpts from semi-structured interviews with cognitively normal, older adult participants (N = 11, Mean age = 72.82). Using thematic analysis and data displays on Dedoose, key themes were distilled regarding intervention acceptability. Participants exhibiting less cognitive improvement more often mentioned personally connecting to topics of dementia and aging through art, but more often mentioned scheduling conflicts. Conversely, participants exhibiting greater cognitive improvement more often mentioned experiencing intellectual enrichment, but feeling insecure about their art capabilities. Novel art activities may be personally meaningful and cognitively stimulating for some participants, but emotionally frustrating for others. Future work should explore ways to optimize arts-based interventions for older participants.
The impact of preference-based, person-centered care on regulatory outcomes
Authors: Qiu Xiao , Abbott Katherine , Bowblis John , Van Haitsma Kimberly 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) was mandated as a pay for performance indicator by the Ohio Department of Medicaid in 2015. This study explored the impacts of PELI implementation on regulatory outcomes in 2017.
The level of PELI implementation from n=551 Ohio nursing home providers between 2015 and 2017 were linked with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nursing Home Compare data. Fixed effects panel regression analyses assessed the effects of time-varying PELI implementation on 2015-2017 regulatory outcomes that could be correlated with quality of life including fines, substantiated complaints, health scores, deficiency counts and deficiency scores.
Results show a significant increase in substantiated complaints among providers that were slow adopters of the PELI. Overall, the extent of PELI implementation was not associated with regulatory outcomes.
The use of the PELI may not impact substantiated complaints suggesting further research is needed to identify person-centered outcomes of interest. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Research in Quality of Care Interest Group.
Gut Microbiome in Older Men: Findings From the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
Authors: Shardell Michelle , Langsetmo Lisa , Demmer Ryan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There is great interest in identifying determinants and health consequences of the human gut microbiota, the dynamic population of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract. However, the role of gut microbiota in the health of older adults has received considerably less attention than that among younger or middle-aged adults. Findings among younger age groups are not necessarily generalizable to older adults due to differences in lifestyle, health conditions, and medication usage. Therefore, understanding the role of gut microbial communities in aging-related phenotypes is an emerging gerontology research priority. To fill this significant knowledge gap, the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Microbiome Ancillary Study was conducted in 2014-2016, coinciding with the parent study’s 4th clinic visit. A total of 912 men with mean aged 84.2 (standard deviation=4.0) years provided fecal samples, and 16S ribosomal RNA target gene sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiota composition. In this symposium, we present findings on the first research projects completed with these data. Dr. Lisa Langsetmo will characterize the association between objectively measured physical activity and the composition of gut microbiota. Dr. James Shikany will present dietary patterns, another lifestyle determinant of gut microbiota. Dr. Deborah Kado will focus on a specific micronutrient, vitamin D, and its metabolites as another factor that may influence the gut microbiota in older men. Lastly, Dr. Michelle Shardell will overview the analytical challenges of microbiome research and illustrate an approach to quantify the potential role of gut microbiota composition and weight in older men.
Multidimensional Benefits of Weight Management in Old Age: The Mobility and Vitality Lifestyle Program
Authors: Albert Steven , Venditti Elizabeth , Nicklas Barbara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The high prevalence of overweight or obesity in older adults is a public health concern because obesity is associated with risk of mobility disability. The benefits of brief community-based lifestyle interventions that promote modest weight loss and increased physical activity are unclear. We assessed the impact of a 13-month lifestyle intervention, the Mobility and Vitality Lifestyle Program (MOVE UP), delivered by community health workers (CHW), on a variety of outcomes, including weight loss, performance-based lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), activity, diet, and health-related quality of life (CDC U48 DP005001). The 32-session behavioral weight management intervention enrolled 303 community-dwelling adults (90.4% of those eligible), who were followed for 12 months (2015-19). Participants completed the program at 26 sites led by 22 CHWs. Participants were age (sd) 67.7 (4.1) and were mostly female (87%). 22.7% were racial minorities. The mean (sd) BMI at baseline was 34.7 (4.7). Median weight loss in the sample was 5% of baseline body weight. SPPB total scores improved by +0.31 units (p &lt; .006), gait speed by +0.04 m/sec (p &lt; .0001), and time to complete chair stands by -0.95 sec (p &lt; .0001). Presenters will assess the effect of MOVE UP on activity, diet, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. A final paper examines implementation of MOVE UP and how site and CHW factors affected outcomes. Findings suggest that promoting healthier eating, weight loss, and physical activity in a community setting is an effective strategy for reducing risk of disability in older adults.
Weight Loss Improves HRQOL Physical Function and Vitality More in Blacks Than Whites
Authors: Boudreau Robert , Venditti Elizabeth , Danielson Michelle , Glynn Nancy , Jakicic John , Newman Anne , Albert Steven 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Participant-reported outcomes are important. Prior MOVE UP reports show ≥5% weight loss was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms but was associated with positive SPPB physical function and the Physical Component Score of the SF-36 HRQOL scale. We examined the SF-36 subscales that showed, a priori, clinically meaningful +5.0-point increases over 13 months, the change in subscales per 5% weight loss, and variability by race. Among all participants (n =240) several subscales show significant pre-post changes [mean (SD)] but only Vitality [+5.6 (15.4)] and Physical Function [+5.0 (16.7)] meet the criterion. Blacks (n = 60) compared to Whites (n = 172) had higher baseline scores on these subscales, were less likely to lose ≥5% (31.7% vs. 59.9%), but mixed regression models indicate that those who did demonstrated a larger change on Vitality (+5.2; p&lt;0.048) than Whites (+3.1; p&lt;0.0003). Studying weight loss and HRQOL associations in larger minority samples is needed.
A Structural Model Approach to Ethnic Disparities in Dementia and Its Assessment
Authors: Royall Donald 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Ethnicity complicates the assessment of dementia and its biomarkers in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). Its effect can be mitigated by the construction of latent variables in a structural equation model (SEM) framework. We have developed a dementia-specific phenotype, i.e. “δ” (for “dementia) by that approach. δ provides a continuously distributed dementia severity measure that may be resistant to ethnicity effects. We propose to test the impact of Mexican-American (MA) ethnicity in TARCC data [N = 3502; MA = 1313; Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) = 2189]. Significant structural associations between observed cognitive performance, δ and δ’s serum protein biomarkers will be tested for ethnicity effects by CHI SQ differences across ethnicity stratified models. Observed clinical variables can be impacted by demographic effects. Those can lead to presumed disparities in clinical outcomes or biomarkers. Latent variables have potential to mitigate demographic effects, refute some perceived disparities and confirm others.
Using REGARDS to Study Family Caregiver Well-Being, Health, and Mortality
Authors: Roth David , Haley William 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The REGARDS study has provided a unique opportunity to study both disease-specific (stroke) and broader samples of family caregivers, and to examine the effect of transitions to caregiving over time. Using REGARDS has afforded many advantages over conventional caregiving research, including the availability of biomarker and mortality data, a large sample of non-caregiving controls who can be carefully matched to caregivers, and ability to track onset of caregiving over time. Our findings illustrate the complex nature of caregiving-related effects. While caregiving leads to worse psychological well-being, we have found minimal physical health decreases and reduced mortality rates compared to matched non-caregiving samples. These findings have policy implications and have challenged the conventional beliefs about caregiving based on previous studies of convenience samples. Diverse students and junior faculty members from multiple universities have also gained experience and contributed to high impact papers from this work.
Reversing cognitive-decline in older adults in an open-label clinical trial: novel mechanisms and the role of GlyNAC
Authors: Liu Chun , Sekhar Rajagopal , Kumar Premranjan , Minard Charles , Chacko Shaji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Age-associated cognitive-decline is an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, but interventions are lacking. We conducted an open-label trial to test our hypotheses on whether: (1) compared to 8 healthy young adults (25y), 8 ‘healthy’ older adults (74y) have cognitive decline, decreased glucose availability for the brain due to mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated insulin-resistance, oxidative-stress and elevated inflammation; (2) supplementing glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) for 24-weeks corrects deficiency of the endogenous-antioxidant Glutathione and improves these defects, and thereby cognition; (3) stopping GlyNAC supplementation for 12-weeks results in a decline in accrued benefits. Outcome measures included cognitive testing (Montreal cognitive assessment; trail-making tests; verbal-fluency tests; digital-symbol substitution-test), mitochondrial fuel-oxidation, RBC-Glutathione concentrations, plasma oxidative-stress, insulin-resistance and inflammation, and tracer-studies to measure glucose metabolism. Results validated our hypotheses and showed that GlyNAC-supplementation corrected these defects and improved cognition. This trial suggests that supplementing GlyNAC may be important for improving/preventing age-associated cognitive-decline in older adults.
How to Successfully Choose a Journal
Authors: Sands Laura 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Article submissions to The Gerontological Society of America’s high impact scientific journals continue to increase each year which has led to editors becoming more selective about which articles are accepted for publication. The purpose of this session is to describe how to efficiently and successfully navigate the process of determining which journal is the best fit for your manuscript. Objectives of the workshop include guidance in: (1) understanding the differences in scope and features of each journal; (2) determining which journal is most appropriate for the topic and methods of your manuscript; (3) appreciating how to use journals’ Instructions to Authors to your benefit, and (3) conveying the scientific contribution of your article to the journal.
Major Depressive Episode and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Sexual Minority Adults in the United States
Authors: Exten Cara , Salomaa Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sexual minority (SM) health disparities constitute a serious public health concern, and disparities in mental health are among the most striking. Among a nationally-representative sample (NESARC-III) of US adults (aged 18-66), we used time-varying effects models (TVEM) to estimate the age-varying prevalences of past year major depressive episode (pyMDE) and generalized anxiety disorder (pyGAD) by SM status and biological sex. pyMDE and pyGAD were most common among SM women, followed by SM men, heterosexual women, and heterosexual men. pyMDE was highest among SM women and SM men in early adulthood with a second peak in the mid-50s (women)and around age 40 (men). pyGAD was highest among SM women aged 54-60 and among SM men aged 30-33. Our findings reveal that older adulthood may be a time of increased risk for pyMDE and pyGAD among SM women. Future work should explore factors that contribute to this increased risk.
The Quality of Interactions Between Staff and Residents With Cognitive Impairment in Nursing Homes
Authors: Paudel Anju , Resnick Barbara , Galik Elizabeth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Positive and effective staff–resident interactions are imperative to adequately assess and meet the needs of cognitively impaired residents in nursing homes and optimize their quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify, describe, and analyze the interaction between staff and cognitively impaired residents in nursing homes, using the Quality of Interaction Schedule (QuIS). Specifically, the following aims were addressed— Aim 1: To quantify and describe the quality of interactions between staff and cognitively impaired residents in nursing homes. Aim 2: To analyze whether the quality of staff–resident interactions vary by resident cognitive status (moderate vs severe) and interaction characteristics (interaction location, interaction situation, interpersonal distance, type of staff, and resident level of participation). Method: This descriptive analysis utilized baseline data from the first 2 cohorts in a randomized clinical trial including 341 residents from 35 nursing homes. Results: Five hundred fifty-six staff–resident interactions were evaluated; majority were positive (n = 466, 83.8%) and the remaining were either neutral (n = 60, 10.8%) or negative (n = 30, 5.4%). The quality of interactions varied by interaction location, interpersonal distance, and resident participation. Conclusion: This study provides some current descriptive information about the quality of staff-resident interactions in nursing homes and the interaction characteristics that might impact these interactions. Future research should focus on decreasing the negative/neutral interactions and explore staff characteristics (e.g., gender, level of experience) and facility factors (e.g., size, ownership) that might influence the quality of interactions.