bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vet To Vet Maine: COVID 19 Effect on a Veteran Companion Pilot Study in Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness
Authors: Gugliucci Marilyn , Lin Amy , Weaver Shirley 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Maine veterans represent 11.8% of Maine population, twice that of the United States. Veterans are at risk for social isolation, loneliness and suicide. The mission of Vet To Vet (V2V) Maine, a non-profit organization, connects trained veteran volunteers with fellow veterans (veteran friends) for companionship, assistance with benefits, and support independent living. This study: (1) assessed if V2V program fulfilled its mission; and (2) determined any care partner effects from the program. Methods: Mixed methods research spanned 6-months, 2019-2020. Twenty-four participants; trained Veteran Volunteers (VV) were paired with Veteran Friends. Four Care Partners (CP) of Veteran Friends participated. Assessments included pre/post Veteran Rand Health Survey (VR-12), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Late Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS) Short Form. CPs completed pre/post Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) assessments. Qualitative interviews focused on visits/activities, relationship building, and program feedback. Data analyses included Wilcoxon Sign Test and NVivo 12+ Qualitative Data Analysis Software. Results: Pre/post data failed to show significance (P=.05), however trends supported an improvement in mental and physical health scores. COVID-19 was a confounding variable as state stay-at-home orders occurred at the companion program study mid-point. Three key themes included; (1) Veteran Companionship; (2) Effects of COVID; and (3) Care Partners. The V2V Companion program was determined effective and reported highly successful relationship matches. CPs confirmed the importance and benefits of V2V. Conclusion: The V2V Maine companion program pilot research supported success in connecting Veterans Volunteer and Veteran Friends; fostering companionship, friendships, mentoring, assisting with benefits, and supporting independent living.
The Cortical Dynamics of Dual-Task Standing in Older Adults
Authors: Kahya Melike , Lo On-Yee , Zhou Junhong , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Lipsitz Lewis , Hausdorff Jeffrey , Michel Christoph , Manor Brad 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In older adults, the extent to which performing a cognitive task when standing diminishes postural control is predictive of future falls and cognitive decline. The cortical control of such “dual-tasking,” however, remains poorly understood. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have demonstrated that the level of attention and cognitive inhibitory activity during cognitive task performance can be quantified by changes in brain activity in specific frequency bands; namely, an increase in theta/beta ratio and a decrease in alpha-band power, respectively. We hypothesized that in older adults, dual-tasking would increase theta/beta ratio and decrease alpha-band power, and, that greater alpha-band power during quiet standing would predict worse dual-task performance. To test this hypothesis, we recorded postural sway and EEG (32-channels) in 30 older adults without overt disease as they completed trials of standing, with and without verbalized serial subtractions, on four separate visits. Postural sway speed, as well as absolute theta/beta power ratio and alpha-band power, were calculated. The theta/beta power ratio and alpha-band power demonstrated high test-retest reliability during quiet and dual-task standing across visits (intra-class correlation coefficients &gt;0.70). Compared with quiet standing, dual-tasking increased theta/beta power ratio (p&lt;0.0001) and decreased alpha-band power (p=0.002). Participants who exhibited greater alpha-band power during quiet standing demonstrated a greater dual-task cost (i.e., percent increase, indicative of worse performance) to postural sway speed (r=0.3, p=0.01). These results suggest that in older adults, dual-tasking while standing increases EEG-derived metrics related to attention, and, that greater cognitive inhibitory activity during quiet standing is associated with worse dual-task standing performance.
Integrating Alzheimer's Messages into Chronic Disease Programs
Authors: Best Leslie , Card Rebecca Drewette , Garbarino Lisa , Taylor Christopher , Boim Kimberly , Olivari Benjamin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The number of people in the United States with dementia is increasing, with nearly six million people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those aged ≥65 years. Over 95% of people with dementia have another comorbid chronic condition. The Healthy Brain Initiative’s State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map notes that public health agencies should raise awareness of the link between brain health and physical health, and specifically calls out tobacco prevention and control, cardiovascular health management diabetes prevention and management, obesity prevention and control, and injury prevention as intervention points. The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors developed brain health messages targeted to reduce risk for cognitive decline through the prevention and control of comorbid chronic conditions. These messages can be leveraged for public health action by integrating them into existing chronic disease programs.
Virtues and Character Strengths in Persons with Mild Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: McGee Jocelyn , McElroy Michaela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Values in Action (VIA) framework, from positive psychology, consists of 6 virtues (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence) which can be broken down into 24 strengths of character (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). Although this framework has been used to understand virtues and strengths in various populations, persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other progressive dementias have been largely excluded from such studies. The aims of our study were to utilize the VIA framework to: 1) examine the expression of virtues and character strengths in a sample of persons diagnosed with probable AD (who were clinically designated as having mild disease based on neuropsychological assessment); and 2) provide implications for further strengths-based research and clinical practice with this population. Twenty-eight older adults, between the ages of 56 and 93 (M = 77.88, SD = 9.88), participated in the study. All had a Clinical Dementia Reacting Scale (CDR) of 1 which suggested mild dementia. The Dimensions of Living with Dementia Interview (DLD; McGee & Carlson, 2013) was utilized for data collection. Interviews lasted approximately 45 minutes per participant. The interviews were professionally transcribed, audit checked, and uploaded to NVivo (2018) for analysis. Directed content analysis (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005) was utilized to extend the VIA framework to this sample. The virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, temperance, and transcendence were demonstrated. We share how these virtues and corresponding character strengths can assist people with early-stage dementia in adaptation to the disease. Implications for clinical practice and further research are provided.
Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Its prognostic value for dementia and other health outcomes. A systematic review
Authors: Mullin Donncha , Cockburn Alastair , Welstead Miles , Luciano Michelle , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Russ Tom 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a recently defined concept combining objective slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints, in the absence of dementia or significant functional impairment. MCR is associated with an increased risk for dementia but its prognostic value for other mental and physical health conditions is less studied. MCR is quick, inexpensive and easy to measure, making it a potentially useful clinical tool. This review aims to be the first to synthesise all mental and physical health outcomes associated with MCR since the term was coined in 2013. Results from multiple databases (MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library; conception to November 2020) were screened independently and risk of bias was assessed. [Results are currently preliminary but definitive findings will be available in time for the conference] In total, 1057 references were screened, resulting in 34 studies being included, of which 14 will be meta-analysed. Eleven longitudinal studies examined MCR in relation to incident cognitive impairment or dementia conversion. Other prospective studies found that MCR predicted higher risk of mortality (n=2), falls (n=3), post-fall fractures (n=1), gait dysfunction (n=1), and cardiovascular risk factors and diseases (n=1). The results from the 23 cross-sectional studies reporting associations with MCR highlight areas for further study to better understand the biological mechanisms of MCR. By synthesising the latest evidence, this review reinforces the value of MCR for predicting incident dementia, but also adds weight to its value in relation to other important age-related health outcomes.
Music and Dementia: Exploring Protective Factors for Cognitive Function
Authors: Santana Sebastian , Willden Michael , Sheets Debra , Smith Andre , Stawski Robert , MacDonald Stuart 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ample research suggests that musical interventions have the potential to boost social connection, engender positive emotions, and potentially buffer against depression in people with dementia (PwD). Here, our focus concerns expanding the present body of knowledge by quantifying the benefits of a music-based nonpharmacological intervention. The Voices in Motion (ViM) choir is an intergenerational sociocognitive lifestyle intervention designed to support caregivers and PwD. Over the course of 18 months, the well-being of PwD and caregiver dyads (N = 32; mean age = 79.6 years; 53% female) were rigorously assessed using an intensive repeated measures design. This project set out to determine whether positive change in the social dimensions of health (i.e., social connection [SC] and psychological well-being [WB]) ameliorates depression in PwD. Multilevel modeling was employed to examine longitudinal change within and between individuals. SC significantly predicted intraindividual change (□20 = -0.48, p =.03), with a predictive trend for between person differences (□00 = -0.58, p =.08). On occasions when PwD reported more SC, relative to their own baseline, they also reported fewer depressive symptoms. The effect associated with WB was significant at the between-person level (□00 = -0.18, p =.01). Our analysis suggests that a lifestyle intervention targeting psychological health and wellbeing may also contribute to the depressive signs and symptoms in PwD. As the current health care system is forced to adapt to social distancing and constant precautionary measures, it is crucial to understand and potentially harness the protective effects of modifiable lifestyle factors.
Prevalence of Dementia in American Indian/ Alaska Native Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Moon Heehyul , MacLehose Richard , Kaholokula Joseph , Rote Sunshine , Roh Soonhee 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Given the increase in life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) due to many positive changes in social and environmental factors, the number of AIAN older adults with dementia is expected to grow from 23,850 in 2010 to over 100,000 by 2050. However, there have been few studies on the prevalence of dementia that have included AIANs . The purpose of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of dementia among AIANs over 65 years compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), Hispanics. The current study used survey data from Round 5 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS, 2015) (N=7,449), a nationally representative study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older. We estimated the age and gender-adjusted prevalence of dementia and 95% confidence intervals for each race/ethnicity. The majority of participants were between 65 and 74 years old. Slightly more than half of them were female. AIAN Medicare beneficiaries showed a significantly higher prevalence of dementia than NHWs after adjusting for age and gender (4% greater or higher prevalence). We also observed a significantly lower prevalence of dementia in AIAN Medicare beneficiaries than NHBs, Hispanics. While previous research has reported that AIANs shave a similar or lower prevalence of dementia than NHWs, our findings indicate significant dementia disparities in AIAN Medicare beneficiaries. Future research should focus on dementia prevalence and risk factors within/between AIAN tribes.
Driving Frequency and Well-Being in Older Adulthood
Authors: Suntai Zainab , Kubanga Kefentse , Lidbe Abhay , Adanu Emmanuel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The activity theory of aging suggests that older adults age successfully when they remain active and engaged. While many older adults are still able to drive, not all are as engaged in social activities, despite having the transportation to be able to do so. As such, this study aimed to examine the association between the frequency of driving and overall well-being among older adults. The hypothesis is that older adults who drive more frequently would have higher well-being, as they are likely driving to engaging activities. A sample of 1,663 older adults who reported that they are able to drive were derived from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The NHATS is an annual longitudinal panel of survey of adults aged 65 and older living in the United States. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate analyses and a weighted multivariable logistic regression model was used to predict well-being based on driving frequency. Results showed that compared to those who drive every day, those who drive most days (OR=0.771, CI= [0.768-0.775]), some days (OR=0.495, CI= [0.492-0.497]), rarely (OR=0.558, CI= [0.555-0.562]) or never (OR=0.371, CI= [0.367-0.374]) were less likely to have high well-being. Interventions geared at improving well-being among older adults should therefore consider increasing awareness of social events, to ensure that older adults who are able to drive can have a good quality of life by driving to social activities.
Drugged Driving among Sexual Minority Older Adults in the United States, 2015-2019
Authors: Yang Jie , Yockey Andrew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Drugged driving, the act of operating vehicles under the influence of one or more illicit substances is responsible for numerous emergency department visits, deaths, and increased medical costs. Despite higher instances of drug use, older sexual minority (LGB) adults are often neglected in prevention efforts. This study assessed inequities between sexual minority older adults and their heterosexual counterparts in drugged driving across three difference substances (alcohol, marijuana, other drugs). Methods: Pooled data from individuals 50 years or older (n = 43,238; 1,115 sexual minority adults) in the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed. Past-year driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs were outcome variables, and survey-weighted frequencies with 95% confidence limits and crude ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: In the past year, 4.82% of older adults drove under the influence of alcohol, 1.33% drove under the influence of marijuana, and 1.48% drove under the influence of illicit drugs. Sexual minority adults consistently showed higher odds of drugged driving than their heterosexual counterparts, with individuals who identify as bisexual being most at risk for driving under the influence of illicit drugs (aOR:4.49, 95%CI: 2.84, 7.08) and marijuana (aOR:3.95, 95%CI: 2.39, 6.51). Discussion: There are differences drugged driving by sexual orientation across the three substances we assessed. These rates of substance use among older sexual minority adults warrant ongoing concern, and it is critical to consider differences across the life course in designing and evaluating interventions to address inequities.
Dyadic Successful Aging and the Limits of Agency
Authors: Klingel Markus 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With increasing life expectancy, late life has become a longer, crucial part of the individual and dyadic life course. New opportunities, tasks and decisions emerged. Successful aging norms emphasize agency and autonomy. This can be activating, but also alienating. With increasing constraints, agency is limited and ideals of autonomy become dysfunctional. This challenges also relationships. Aging, functional losses and approaching death threaten dyadic satisfaction and functionality. Potentially, successful aging norms could erode dyadic solidarity when needed the most: in late life. This mixed-methods longitudinal study combines interviews and questionnaires at three observations across five years. Its focus lies on change over time and findings at observation three. The sample consists of eight German couples (78-86 years old, 50-65 years married, high relationship satisfaction, white, urban). What does aging mean for individualized actors? How do aging couples negotiate, decide and act on aging, autonomy and death? How do successful aging norms modulate dyadic aging? Overall, actors have internalized successful aging and benefit by influencing their health positively. However, this has become ambivalent. Actors increasingly perceive their future as limited and beyond individual control. Acceptance of losses that challenge the self is difficult, autonomy ideals burdensome and death salient. As individual agency is constrained, the dyad is still a functional stronghold against aging. Yet, it has to adapt as well to – potentially differential - individual aging. Losses can and do threaten couples’ functional and emotional unity. Four patterns of self-dyad dynamics emerged and exemplify tensions between individualized and dyadic successful aging.
Exploring Collaboration Enjoyment and Decisional Uncertainty: Actor-Partner Effects in Advanced Care Planning
Authors: Hiatt Shirin , Guo Jia-Wen , Ellington Lee , Tay Djin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Caregivers are often engaged in decision making with and for patients. However, the role of patient-caregiver interpersonal processes on decisions about advance care planning (ACP) are not well known. This secondary data analysis examined the effects of patient-caregiver enjoyment about collaboration regarding choices for life-sustaining treatment on patients’ and caregivers’ decisional uncertainty following a dyadic ACP intervention. A purposive sample of 18 adult home health patients and their informal caregivers (N=36) participated in a one-group pretest posttest study. The Interpersonal Enjoyment subscale of the Perceptions of Collaboration Questionnaire and the Decisional Uncertainty subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale were administered using parallel questionnaires. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to examine actor and partner effects of patients and caregivers’ interpersonal enjoyment on their uncertainty in decisions about ACP before and after the intervention. The mean age was 68.2±9.6 years for patients and 61.3±13.6 years for caregivers. The majority of patients (61.1%) and caregivers (72.2%) were female and married (55.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Almost all were non-Hispanic White (97.0%). Patients’ and caregivers’ interpersonal enjoyment and uncertainty scores were similar before the intervention. A significant partner effect between greater interpersonal enjoyment among caregivers at pretest and greater patient uncertainty at posttest (β=0.44, p=.037) was found. Previous analyses found that overall patients improved in decisional uncertainty at posttest. However, these findings suggest that for some dyads, interpersonal factors can negatively affect patients’ decisional certainty. Future research is needed to verify this finding with a larger sample.
The Impact of Self- and Relation-Inferred Efficacy on Physical Activity in Older Adult Couples
Authors: Broen Tiana , Choi Yoonseok , Gerstorf Denis , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , Hoppmann Christiane 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Previous research has indicated that physical activity (PA) is a health-promoting behavior that is closely linked in couples. However, few studies have examined how PA is intertwined among couples in their everyday lives. For example, relation-inferred efficacy (RIE) is an individual perception that captures whether a close other believes in one’s own abilities to perform specific behaviours; it originates from the sports literature on coach-athlete dyads and has been shown to shape athlete performance. Applying a repeated daily life assessment design, the current study targets self-efficacy (SE) and relation-inferred efficacy (RIE) as predictors of PA in older adult couples, as well as potential moderators when obstacles occur. We hypothesized that: (a.) There is a main effect of SE and RIE on PA. (b.) PA is lower on days when people anticipate barriers (c.) SE and RIE moderate the time-varying relationship between PA and barriers. Heterosexual couples (N=108 couples, Mage=70.5 years, SD=6.70) rated their SE and REI, completed daily electronic questionnaires asking about barriers and wore an accelerometer to capture indices of PA across seven days. In line with past work, SE (r(2438)=.13, p=&lt;.001) and RIE (r(2438)=.14, p=&lt;.001) were significantly related to total moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and step counts. A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the hypotheses. Preliminary analyses indicated that RIE (estimate=3.93, SE=1.49, p=.009) is a stronger predictor of MVPA than SE (estimate=2.83, SE=2.02, p=.16). Further analysis will be conducted to unpack daily life circumstances that create barriers to PA, including daily pain, anxiety, and tiredness.
An Ounce of Prevention: Reducing Ageism Through the Lens of Public Health
Authors: Grinshteyn Erin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ageism is pervasive. The negative consequences of ageism are vast, and the literature on the effects of ageism on health and health care is extensive. The perpetrators of ageism are equally vast. While it may be tempting to believe that those who go into the fields of gerontology and geriatrics are free from these attitudes and behaviors, this is untrue. It is reasonable to suspect that future public health professionals, even those interested in gerontology, may also carry ageist ideas and practices into their professional careers. This research was developed to determine whether teaching about aging and ageism in a public health course could reduce ageism among students. Participants were students in a class on aging and public health. All students were graduate students in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Multiple assessments were used to assess ageism including the Framboni Scale of Ageism (FSA), a validated 29-question measure used to assess ageism, and the Succession, Identity, and Consumption (SIC) scale, another scale assessing ageism. Students were enrolled in an elective course on aging and public health, which was taught through the public health lens of disease prevention and health promotion. Health topics related to aging are discussed with an emphasis on prevention. The contributions older adults make, and the resulting improved health and well-being of self, others, and community are promoted. And the class participates in activities with a variety of community-dwelling older adults. Results show that ageism among students is reduced after the semester long course.