bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DYING WITH DEMENTIA: CAREGIVERS’ OBSERVATIONS OF PHYSICAL AND/OR BEHAVIORAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hovland Cynthia , Mallett Christopher 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers of older persons with dementia have significant challenges across many domains. These reported problems encountered over their caregiving time are for many reasons, but what makes the caretaking difficult is complicated by both the unknown nature of the dementia disease and the dying trajectory. While there are studies, primarily from health-care professionals, of this dying process and the last few weeks of life for older persons with dementia, much less is known directly from the family caregivers’ perspectives and experiences. This qualitative study of 30 caregivers of family members aged 65 years and older who died with dementia related diagnoses used in-depth qualitative interviews conducted over a 12-month period and directed content analysis to understand the data. The study asked what physical, behavioral, and psychological changes they observed and experienced during their family members’ last weeks of life. Three primary themes were identified around behavioral and psychological changes: (a) they become different people, (b) did not recognize caregiver, and (c) wandering and getting lost; and two primary themes identified physical decline: (a) system started shutting down and (b) drastically diminished self-sufficiency. Implications for families and professionals are reviewed and discussed.
EFFECT OF AN INTERPROFESSIONAL STUDENT-LED THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY PROGRAM ON OUTCOMES OF DEMENTIA PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Jordan Kerry , Allen Melissa , Gallagher Michael , Schultz January , Weese Richelle , Marks Suzette 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite demonstrated effectiveness, access to nonpharmacological interventions to help maintain cognition and function in people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is severely limited. The Inter-professional Student led Therapeutic Activity program (STAP) improves access by engaging health science students to perform such activities as part of their clinical. STAP involves weekly, 3.5-hour sessions over 12 weeks per semester. During sessions, students from a variety of disciplines engage participants in evidence-based activities including group exercise, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive stimulation, and socialization. We aimed to evaluate initial effect of STAP on cognitive status, quality of life, and function of people with mild to moderate ADRD. Initial pre and post test data obtained over two 12- week intervention sessions demonstrate no statistically significant change in cognition using the Arizona Battery of Cognitive Communication Disorders Scale (ABCD-2) N12 (t -.707, p =.480); Quality of life using the Dem-QOL N11 (t.831, p =.406); and function using the 30-Second Chair Rise N18 (t-.087, p =.932), Timed up and Go Test (TUG) (t.962, p =.35), and 10 Meter Walk Test (t -1.932, p =.07). There was a significant improvement between pre and post test scores in independent activities of daily living using the Texas function Living Scale (TFLS) N11(t 2.0, p = 0.046). Results indicate that, in the short term, STAP may be beneficial in maintaining cognition, function and quality of life in people with mild to moderate ADRD. Further study of long term results is recommended.
EXPLORING THE POWER OF DOCUMENTARY FILM TO CHALLENGE DEMENTIA-RELATED STIGMA AND SUPPORT DANCE FOR LIFE ENRICHMENT
Authors: Kontos Pia , Colobong Romeo , Vijinski Jon Parr , Sodums Devin , Aleong Rosanne , Bar Rachel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dance has been shown to support empowerment, sociability, and creative self-expression; however, it is rarely adopted with the explicit intention to support these aspects of engagement in the context of dementia care. Instead, dance is primarily adopted as a form of therapy to improve cognitive and physical health outcomes. This is far too narrow given there is research that demonstrates the power of dance to increase social inclusion by supporting embodied self-expression, creativity, and social engagement of people living with dementia. In order to foster broad community awareness building and education about the value of dance for life enrichment and the importance of supporting this in dementia care settings, we developed a short documentary film – Dancer Not Dementia. To evaluate the impact of the film, we conducted focus groups and/or interviews with people living with dementia, family carers, government policy makers, formal care providers affiliated with long-term and community-based dementia care, members of the dance community, and the general public. Data were collected within one week of watching the film and then again 8-12 weeks later. Our analysis illustrates the effectiveness of Dancer Not Dementia in reducing stigma by demonstrating changes in understandings of dementia and changes in practice. Our analysis also includes attention to how the film, as a form of cultural production, deepened engagement and facilitated transformation. This research contributes to a growing understanding of how the arts may challenge entrenched and oppressive attitudes and social relations, and support more inclusive and relational approaches to caring.
PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF A MULTICOMPONENT INTERVENTION DESIGNED FOR LONG-DISTANCE FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Cimarolli Verena , Chunga Richard , Boerner Kathrin , Czaja Sara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on family caregiving to older adults with dementia has produced a number of evidence-based interventions designed to reduce caregiver burden and negative mental health consequences of caregiving. However, almost all existing research has focused on geographically close caregivers and evidence-based interventions were designed and tested with these proximate caregivers, not considering the unique circumstances of long-distance family caregivers (LDCs) who live more than two hours away from their care recipient. Long-distance caregiving is a common and growing phenomenon. Like geographically close caregivers of persons living with dementia, LDCs experience significant caregiving burden and strains. Yet, there are no interventions designed to address the specific needs of LDCs and to reduce caregiver burden among LDCs. This project developed and feasibility tested such an intervention called LDCare - a 7-session remotely delivered multi-component intervention combining psychoeducation with peer support designed to reduce burden in LDCs. Forty LDCs participated in the intervention and feasibility study which used a one-arm pre-post-intervention trial design and administered several caregiver burden and strain measures pre- and immediately post-intervention. Non-parametric equivalents of paired t-tests (Wilcoxon tests) were run to determine changes on burden/strain measures from pre- to post-intervention. Results show significant reductions from pre- to post-intervention in caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview-12), family conflict, job caregiving conflict, and role captivity (Pearlin Scales), and in a 9-item scale assessing difficulty of providing care. This study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy of a multi-component intervention specifically designed for the needs of LDCs and for reducing burden among LDCs.
DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING AN EXTRA-SHORT FORM OF THE LATER LIFE WORKPLACE INDEX (LLWI-XS) IN GERMANY AND THE US
Authors: Deller Juergen , Wehage Mattea , Finsel Julia S , Woehrmann Anne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Employment of older individuals becomes more important. To identify organizational practices that foster the motivation, health, and performance of older employees, an efficient holistic assessment of relevant organizational factors is needed. The 80-item Later Life Workplace Index (LLWI) as well as the 29-item Later Life Workplace Index Short Form (LLWI-SF) provide such a measure. However, both measures are too long to be applied in large scale surveys, e.g., Health and Retirement Survey (HRS). Therefore, this paper describes the development and validation of the extra short form LLWI-XS, a 9-item measure covering all nine domains in order to achieve a highly efficient instrument to measure relevant organizational aspects. For each domain, one LLWI-XS item was developed deductively based on the domain description, indicators, and items from the original and short forms. This iterative process was done by an expert focus group who followed general item writing recommendations and standard practices to develop short and precise items applicable for large-scale surveys. The overall construct’s model fit and each domain’s correlations with criterion and discriminant validity measures are reported. The LLWI-XS items were developed and validated both in German and in U.S. American English. We provide researchers and practitioners with a validated extra-short measure to efficiently assess all nine organizational domains relevant for older employees to gain a comprehensive understanding of all critical areas of organizational influences on later life work. The scale is well suited to enable a screening of organizational practices for older workers in a population-based research context.
DO PREFERENCES FOR TELEWORK IMPACT JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER JOB APPLICANTS? EVIDENCE FROM A HIRING EXPERIMENT
Authors: Brady Samantha , Cerino Lauren , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Coughlin Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults represent an increasing share of the labor force, with adults aged 55 and older comprising almost one-quarter (24%) of the labor force in 2023 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). As the labor force ages, increasingly popular flexible work arrangements, like telework, can be especially beneficial at supporting older adults in the workforce. Although the labor force is aging and work is becoming increasingly conducive to prolonged working lives, age stereotypes and age discrimination remain rampant in today’s labor market, often limiting employment opportunities for older job seekers. And while telework provides benefits to older workers, requesting or utilizing telework arrangements may further exacerbate existing ageist stereotypes, as research prior to the pandemic found that teleworkers may be perceived as less competent and less committed employees. Using data from an original forced-choice conjoint experiment of hiring behaviors, this research causally examines the extent to which preferences for telework may further limit access to professional opportunities for job applicants of different ages. Preliminary analysis of pilot data (N=483) suggests that while preferences for certain telework arrangements negatively impact job opportunities for applicants of all ages, hiring penalties are especially large for the youngest and the oldest job applicants, compared to middle-aged applicants in our experiment. Analysis of complete sample data (N=2,000 hiring decision makers across the U.S. collected in March 2024) will also examine how telework preferences intersect with other job applicant attributes, including gender and caregiving responsibilities, to impact employment opportunities for particular groups of older job seekers.
LIFETIME PATTERNS OF EXPOSURE TO JOB COMPLEXITY AND LATER LIFE COGNITION
Authors: Chen Qize , Hsu Joanne , Oh Yun taek , Smith Jacqui , Sonnega Amanda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A growing body of evidence establishes a positive connection between cognitively engaging activities and later life cognitive functioning. Cognitively stimulating work—jobs that involve complex tasks and demands—is gaining increased research attention in this regard. Given data limitations to date, however, less research has focused on exposure to job complexity over the entire adult life course. We leverage new retrospective data from the Health and Retirement Study on job histories spanning early adulthood through midlife in combination with the rich prospective survey measurement of cognitive functioning through mid- and later-life to study this association (N=6,744; 41.24% men). We link early life job histories to historical information from the Occupational Information Network to characterize lifetime job complexity exposure. We find a lifetime pattern of annual exposure to job complexity (those demanding complex problem solving, critical thinking, inductive reasoning, guiding and directing others, making decisions, and coordinating/leading others) of a rapid increase in the 20s, gradually increasing through the 30s, 40s, and 50, and decreasing after age 60. We find no significant cohort differences (people born 1924-1941 vs after), but there are gender and racial/ethnic differences. Women’s annual exposure to job complexity tends to start at a higher level compared to that of men, but by their early 30s, men’s exposure exceeds women’s and remains higher. Non-Hispanic whites have significantly higher lifetime job complexity exposure relative to Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals. These patterns shed light on life course work exposures and demographic factors associated with differences in later-life cognitive functioning.
“I AM TOO EXHAUSTED TO BE PROACTIVE”: CHALLENGES IN NAVIGATING END-OF-LIFE CARE FOR PARENTS WITH DEMENTIA IN CHINA
Authors: Lou Yifan , Liu Jinyu , Ding Kedong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While hospice is rapidly developing in China, the services are mostly provided to and used by patients with cancer. The end-of-life experiences of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers are largely overlooked in the current practice and literature. This study aims to explore unique challenges and stressors that family caregivers experience when navigating end-of-life care for PLWD. Interview data were collected from in-depth interviews with 17 caregivers of PLWD in China and 5 primary care doctors working with them in Shanghai, China. Hybrid grounded theory model was used to guide analysis. Five themes emerged from the data describing multi-level challenges and stressors guided by the social ecological theory. On the individual and interpersonal levels, emotional exhaustion of decision-making was most salient among PLWD caregivers, especially when there was lack of communication on required decision-making paperwork at emergency rooms. Caregivers also experienced decisional conflicts among siblings and uncertainty about the validity of PLWD’s expressed wishes at the advanced dementia stage. On the mezzo level, a common theme emerged around the stigma toward PLWD (as opposed to hospice for people with cancer) in the community, which prevents caregivers from seeking services and support for their dying loved ones. On the macro level, the lack of disease-specific end-of-life resources for PLWD, which results in long waiting lists and increasing service prices, was a major challenge for caregivers in finding care aligned with PLWD’s needs. Multi-level interventions are needed to address caregivers’ challenges in navigating end-of-life care for PLWD in China.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: OUTCOMES FROM A TARGETED EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE WITH OLDER SPANISH SPEAKERS
Authors: Beltran Susanny 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Targeted interventions are essential to enhance knowledge and engagement in end-of-life care among Spanish-speaking older adults, to address existing disparities in advance care planning (ACP). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a resource-efficient, culturally tailored educational intervention in improving ACP readiness and knowledge among Spanish-speaking older adults. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used to assess the impact of an intervention involving an educational presentation on topics such as ACP, end-of-life care options including curative and palliative models of care and sharing relevant resources. The study involved community-dwelling older Latinos (aged 61-94) in a southern U.S. state who were engaged with adult day care centers. Measures included participants’ knowledge of ACP, care options, familiarity with hospice and palliative care, and attitudes toward hospice, assessed using pre- and post-intervention surveys. Statistically significant improvements were observed in ACP knowledge, understanding of care options, and attitudes towards hospice and palliative care post-intervention. Age, marital status, and education level influenced knowledge scores, with no significant gender differences in the intervention’s efficacy. The educational intervention effectively enhanced end-of-life care planning readiness and knowledge among older Latinos. The study highlights the potential for sustainable, accessible, and culturally sensitive educational strategies to reduce disparities in ACP knowledge and possibly engagement. Future research will explore the feasibility of training laypersons and adult day care staff to deliver the educational presentation.
COPING STRATEGIES AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL ILLNESS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Csikai Ellen , Maynard Quentin , Olmos Marina , Hossain M D Sarafat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers often provide many hours of care for years frequently leading to reduced abilities to cope with the care and quality of life for the caregivers (Lewis, et al, 2019). Family caregivers who provide care to older adults near the end of life face even greater challenges, including increased physical and emotional burden. The aim of this study was to identify coping strategies used by family caregivers of older adults with serious medical illness that help them manage in the caregiving role. A scoping literature review of qualitative and quantitative research (published in peer-review journals since 2012) involving community-dwelling family caregivers of older adults with serious medical illness, near end of life, was conducted. A total of 426 articles met the search criteria. After initial systematic screening of titles/abstracts, followed by full text review, through consensus meetings, eight (n=8) articles met inclusionary criteria and were included in the review. Among the studies, six were qualitative; two quantitative. Samples varied in medical diagnoses; sizes ranging 8-228. Shared results regarding coping strategies were how various coping strategies were used to manage both physical and emotional challenges. Problem-solving and emotion-focused coping types were common along with social support by relying on others. Family caregivers of older adults with serious illness must cope daily with challenges. With better understanding of current coping strategies used to manage physical and emotional demands, professionals can recognize and intervene to bolster coping abilities and assist with resources to safeguard caregivers’ well-being.
SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING POST 2015 MEDICARE POLICY CHANGE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Zhang Peiyuan , Wang Yixuan , Cagle John , Wang Kaipeng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social workers have been identified as core members of the interdisciplinary team providing ACP but were excluded from the 2015 Medicare regulations reimburse clinicians for ACP discussions. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on social workers’ contributions to ACP since the 2015 Medicare Policy change, potentially informing policy reform to include them in reimbursement mechanisms. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PsycInfo, CINAHL, SocINDEX, and PubMed from January 2016 to July 2023. Peer-reviewed studies focusing on social worker involvement in ACP or advance directives (AD), with any study design except for case reports and reviews, were included. Studies with a mixed sample of healthcare professionals that did not compare social workers and other care professionals were excluded. Data were independently extracted by two investigators using pre-specified criteria. Quality was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tools and STORBE checklists. Key themes include social workers’ (1) knowledge and competency of ACP, (2) attitudes and perceptions of ACP, (3) involvement in ACP practices, (4) perceived roles and responsibilities, and (5) effects of social work interventions on ACP engagement. Findings highlight social workers’ positive attitudes towards ACP and perceived responsibility in ACP engagement, which underscore social workers’ prominent role in educating ADs and facilitating ACP conversations. This review provides the most recent synthesis of relevant findings about social work ACP practices after 2015 Medicare reimbursement for ACP, which has important policy implications in including social workers in the ACP reimbursement mechanism.
THERAPEUTIC EXPECTATIONS AND INTEREST IN END-OF-LIFE CARE: ROLE OF AGEISM, AGING ANXIETY, AND DEATH ANXIETY
Authors: Root Eve , Caskie Grace 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The field of mental health is not yet equipped to meet the needs of the growing older adult population. More psychologists are needed in the field of geropsychology across all specialties, including end-of-life care. However, no known research has examined psychology trainees’ attitudes or interest in providing end-of-life care to older adults. Under the frame of Terror Management Theory (Martens et al., 2005), this study examined the relationship of ageism, aging anxiety, and death anxiety with psychology trainees’ therapeutic expectations and interest in engaging in end-of-life work with older adults. Using structural equation modeling, a model was tested to examine ageism, aging anxiety, and death anxiety as independent predictors of interest and therapeutic expectations towards end-of-life care with individuals in later life. In a sample of 197 psychology doctoral students enrolled in an APA-accredited program, the model showed good fit after modifications (CFI =.92, TLI =.90, RMSEA =.08, SRMR =.09). Higher aging anxiety predicted lower interest working with this population as well as worse therapeutic expectations. Ageism was not significantly related to therapeutic expectations but was positively related to interest. Death anxiety did not significantly predict either outcome variable. These findings suggest training programs and early clinical opportunities should consider the role of existential anxiety, particularly aging anxiety, as well as ageism’s impact on trainees’ career interests and perceptions towards working with older adults living with life-limiting illness.