bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRITICAL OR ENCOURAGING? CORRELATES OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ DEMENTIA MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Authors: Leggett Amanda , Troost Jonathan , Tsuker Sophia , Miner Jennifer , Carlozzi Noelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers approach caregiving challenges with a variety of management strategies which may be adaptive or maladaptive and impact the quality of care provided to individuals living with dementia. This study explores caregiver demographics, the caregiving context, resentment toward the individual with dementia, and caregiver readiness as predictors of dementia management strategies. Participants included 200 family caregivers for a person living with dementia. Descriptive statistics and adjusted linear regressions were run to examine associations between caregiver demographics, the care context (dementia diagnosis, dementia severity rating scale), the Sense of Competence Care Recipient Satisfaction Scale, and the Caregiver Readiness Scale with three outcomes: criticism, active management, and encouragement (Dementia Management Strategies Scale). Caregivers were 58 years old on average, 82% female, 28% non-White, and 38% adult daughters. In models including caregiver demographics and the care context, caregiver readiness consistently related to dementia management as it was associated with less criticism (B=-0.23, p&lt;.01), more active management (B=0.26, p&lt;.01), and more encouragement (B=0.20, p&lt;.01). Greater financial difficulty (B=2.57, p&lt;.05), less dementia severity (B=-0.17, p&lt;.001), and provision of care for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease (relative to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease) (B=-3.01, p&lt;.05) were associated with more encouragement. Further, individuals with more resentment toward the individual with dementia used more criticism (B=0.86, p&lt;.001). Readiness for care appears to be a key modifiable intervention target to improve care management quality provided by family caregivers. Caregiver demographics did not relate to care management once the caregiving context was accounted.
HOW DO FAMILY RELATIONSHIP PATTERNS IMPACT CAREGIVING BURDEN IN ADULT CHILD CAREGIVERS?
Authors: Heys Jodi , Strong Jessica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Living with dementia is not isolated to the person with the diagnosis. Family and friends play an integral role in providing support, advocacy, love, and informal care for a person with dementia. Spouses and adult child caregivers have a unique relationship with the person with dementia (PWD), and often report a different subjective experience of caregiving (Rigby, et al, 2019). Due to limited research on how family relationships pre-caregiving impact the caregiving experience, the goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of these complex dynamics, particularly for adult child caregivers. The current study looked at perceptions of cohesion, expressiveness and conflict in family of origin (Brief Family Relationship Scale), as well as anxiety (GAD-7), mood (PHQ-9), and caregiver experiences, including burden, overload, and competence, among others (Caregiver Reaction Scale) in a population of adults (28-68 years old, N=25). Preliminary analysis results indicate a relationship between family conflict pre-caregiving and caring overload (r =-0.49, p = 0.04), such that lower levels of conflict were related to lower levels of overload. Additionally, we found no significant correlations between earlier family patterns of cohesion or conflict with adult anxiety (Cohesion: r =0.15, p = 0.55; Conflict: r =-0.11, p = 0.65) or depression (Cohesion: r =0.05, p = 0.85; Conflict: r =-0.18, p = 0.50). We discuss the current findings in the context of family systems theory and child-parent relationships in adulthood.
NATURE AND CHALLENGES OF TRANSNATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVING: FINDINGS FROM A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Hossain Mohammad , Pope Natalie , George Regina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study explored the nature and challenges of transnational family caregiving via a systematic literature review. Increasing international migration and global aging have resulted in growing instances of transnational family caregiving, which involves providing care for older adults across national borders. However, little is known about the nature and challenges of such caregiving. Following PRISMA guidelines, a structured literature search was conducted using targeted search terms (e.g., transnational*, cross-border*, caregiv*, burden*) in 10 electronic databases (e.g., AgeLine, MEDLINE, CINAHL). Predefined eligibility criteria included empirical papers: (i) published in peer-reviewed English language journals, (ii) focused on the nature and/or challenges of transnational caregiving, and (iii) focused on caregiving for older adults. After removing duplicates, screening the titles and abstracts, and reviewing remaining full-texts, nine articles were deemed eligible for inclusion. Studies showed that transnational caregiving involves provision of financial and emotional support, arranging care, mailing gifts and letters, making care decisions, and communicating via phone/video calls. Financial strain came from expenses in the host and support countries, including traveling back to the home country. Transnational caregivers experience guilt, worry, and distress related to the unpredictability of the care situation and their inability to be physically present. Strict immigration policies, inadequate employer support, and limited institutional care in home countries also present challenges. Despite limitations of research in this area (e.g., qualitative studies; small, non-random samples), this review highlights the nature and challenges experienced by transnational caregivers. Further empirical research is needed to deepen our understanding of this unique subpopulation of caregivers.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS AFTER USING ONLINE SELF-GUIDED ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY
Authors: Batura Josey , Gossner Jacob , Aller Ty , Fauth Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
At home family care for individuals with dementia averages 24.4 hours per week, with one in four caregivers providing 40+ hours. Caregivers identify positive experiences but also report burnout. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically validated transdiagnostic approach that aims to increase individuals’ psychological flexibility, or their ability to respond effectively to their internal experiences in the present moment. This study examines the efficacy of a 6-session online, self-guided ACT for Caregivers program. Research Design and

methods
A randomized waitlist-controlled trial included 114 dementia caregivers of whom 28 participated in two semi-structured interviews: at end of sessions (post-test) and 6 weeks later (follow-up; each 45-60 minutes). Participants were recruited from the community. Zoom interviews were transcribed and coded by three researchers using deductive qualitative analysis. Current analyses focused on the self-reported impact of the program on participants’ quality of life. The qualitative subsample included 20 (71.4%) spousal and 8 (28.6%) adult offspring caregivers (Age M= 64.2; SD= 13.3).

Results
Longitudinal coding of post-intervention and follow-up interviews indicated themes of positivity, greater self- compassion, feeling less stressed and calmer, living more vibrantly, and leaning into social supports. They also reported engaging in improved health behaviors.

Discussion
Quality of life is an ideal outcome to examine qualitatively, as ACT aims to enhance QoL, rather than merely reduce negative symptoms. Participation in an online, self-guided ACT program yielded initial and sustained improvements in multiple domains of QoL, and participants emphasized different aspects of improvements in QoL at post-test and follow-up.
THE IMPACT OF SLEEP QUALITY ON NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Chrzanowski Lauren , Elliott Lauren , Schneider Sydnie , Diehl Keegan , Abu-Samaha Amir , Neugebauer Volker , Singer Jonathan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studies have found poor sleep quality is linked to decreased neurocognitive functioning in older adults. Notably, it has been found that older adults who exhibit worse sleep quality have decreased processing speed. However, research with caregivers is extremely limited and current research lacks the use of validated measures and neurocognitive assessments across several functional domains (e.g., processing speed; executive functioning). Further, most of these studies have been conducted with large urban samples. This study included family caregivers of persons with dementia in Lubbock County, which includes a small urban city and multiple rural cities. We compared Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores with Trails Making Test delta (i.e., processing speed), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS; i.e., overall neurocognitive functioning), and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST; standardized percentiles of perseverative errors and conceptual level responses; i.e., executive functioning). There was no significant relationship between sleep and processing speed (r=-.173, p=.143), executive functioning (i.e., WCST standardized percent perseverative errors (r=-.219, p=.090); WCST standardized percent conceptual level responses (r=-.256, p=.059)), and overall neurocognitive functioning (r=-.110, p=.269). Interestingly, in this unique population of family caregivers there appears to not be a relationship between sleep and neurocognitive functioning in the domains examined. More research regarding sleep and cognition in family caregivers is needed, particularly that which addresses the interplay of sleep and other psychosocial variables impacting cognition in caregivers.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND PERCEIVED CONTROL: SPOUSAL SUPPORT AS A MODERATING FACTOR
Authors: Buxton Michael , Williams Adrian , Carranza Erick , Luskey Valerie , Apostolou Hannah , Jacobs M Lindsey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social support can play an important role in cognitive functioning and involves both actual and perceived support. This presentation used data from the 2020 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of community-dwelling older adults who completed questions of interest (n= 3416). The sample was predominantly female (59.6%) with a mean age of 68.6 years old (SD=10.3). The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the relationship between cognitive performance and perceived constraints on personal control and (2) investigate how perceived social support across relationship categories influenced the nature of this association. Participants who indicated dementia diagnoses were excluded from analyses. To determine the influence of perceived social support on the relationship of interest, moderation analyses were performed with the SPSS macro PROCESS using mean-centered values. Age, years of education, and gender were used as covariates. Perceived social support and cognitive performance had significant effects on perceived constraints. Positive and negative spousal support were the only relationship categories with significant interaction effects. Specifically, as positive spousal support increased, the relationship between cognitive performance and perceived constraints on personal control became weaker (b=-0.14, SE =.007, t(2499) = -2.0, p = 0.048). Increasing negative spousal support strengthened the relationship (b=0.14, SE =.006, t(2499) = 2.4, p = 0.017). Perceptions of spousal collaboration and support seemingly operate to fortify personal sense of control, which may be compensatory. Further research should explore facets of perceived social support and associations with cognitive performance and perceived control in older adults.
PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TYPES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT/STRAIN: A LATENT PROFILE ANALYSIS
Authors: Willard Meredith , Alderson Jacob , Turiano Nicholas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research suggests that social connections are important for health and longevity (Cohen, 1985). High levels of social support is a significant predictor of improved well-being and health (White et al., 2009). However, it is important to acknowledge the role social strain can have on health, as well as key predictors of social network functioning. Thus, the current study utilized data from the Midlife Development in the US Study (MIDUS) to extract classes of social support/strain using a latent profile analysis (LPA), and use the Big 5 personality traits to predict class membership (N = 6,178; Mean age = 46.8). Social support/strain was separately computed for each network source (i.e., family, friend, and spouse) using 4-6 items. Iterations of different LPA classes suggested a 4-class solution (lowest AIC/BIC;.83 entropy). Class 1 (high spouse strain and lowest levels of support); Class 2 highest support and lowest strain levels);. Class 3 (highest level of spouse support and low levels from friends and family); Class 4 (average levels of support and strain across all sources). Those high in Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were more likely to belong in the “optimal” class of high support & low strain while those high in Openness and Neuroticism were more likely to belong in the “average” class (all p’s &lt;.05). Findings underscore how personality traits are involved in the exposure to varying levels of support/strain individuals are exposed to. Understanding these processes is key to understanding how social networks impact aging outcomes.
RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION MEDIATES LINKS BETWEEN OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL NETWORKS AND DEPRESSION
Authors: Kole Debarati , Van Vleet Bryce , Fuller Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social ties have a significant positive effect on older adults’ psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the role of relationship satisfaction for the interplay between social ties and psychological well-being. The current study explores if relationship satisfaction mediates the relationship between social network characteristics and depressive symptoms among older adults. The data are from the first three waves of the Social Integration and Aging Study, a community-based, longitudinal study of older adults (aged 60+) in the Upper Midwest. Simple longitudinal structural equation modeling was used to analyze mediation models with baseline demographic variables (Age, Gender, and Education included as covariates. Three network variables (network size, mean proximity, and mean years of connection) were selected from Wave 1 (2013). A four-item relationship satisfaction construct (satisfaction from close family, extended family, friends, and neighbors) from Wave 2 (2015) was used as the mediator variable. The 10-item Geriatric Depression Scale, at Wave 3 (2017) was used as the outcome variable. Relationship satisfaction was found to mediate the effects of network size (paths: a=.022 p=.008; b=-.538 p&lt;.001; c’=-.026 p=.239) and mean network proximity (paths: a=.361 p=.048; b=-.548 p&lt;.001; c’=-.523 p=.237) on depressive symptoms over time. However, relationship satisfaction did not mediate the relationship between years of connection and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest qualitative aspects of social connections more greatly impact older adults’ psychological well-being over time as compared to quantitative social network characteristics. Implications for quality of connections and sense of belongingness will be discussed.
THE CAMARADERIE OF MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER WOMEN: HOW DOES FLASH MOB BUILD SOCIAL CAPITAL?
Authors: Min Hae Youn , Lee Kyung Eun , Heo Jinmoo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The “flash mob”, a new indication of 21st-century digital culture, involves groups of unfamiliar individuals gathering suddenly in public spaces to perform distinctive activities based on pre-arranged instructions and dispersing quickly. Engaging in group events like flash mobs enhances a more profound sense of community, belonging, and friendship. This study explores the potential of flash mobs to encourage social capital, focusing on a specific group of middle-aged and older women who engage in flash mobs as a means of celebrating the aging process. This group of women gathered to welcome the journey of aging, using flash mobs to show the way to enjoy the moment. The study used a qualitative research method, including in-depth interviews with 16 participants. The findings of this study revealed that participants formed a vivid network, and the outcomes of the network are as follows: (a) strong trust, (b) reciprocity, (c) camaraderie, and (d) contribution to the community. These elements are related closely to Putnam’s (1995) conceptualization of social capital, demonstrating the unique role of flash mobs in impacting social networks and community bonds among participants. Primarily middle-aged and older women, during significant life transitions like empty nest syndrome, retirement, and menopause, they often face loneliness, emphasizing the role of social activity. This study provides insights into how the social capital of middle-aged and older women enhances the anticipation of later life.
A DROSOPHILA MODEL OF A MITOCHONDRIALLY INDUCED INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: Wang Adrienne , Dutta Angshita , Putzier Alexandra , Trabant Marieke , Gustave-Schelling Kyla , Sanchez-Contreras Monica , kennedy Scott 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mitochondrial function and innate immunity-mediated inflammation are two critical regulators of healthy aging and lifespan. While mitochondrial function is the cornerstone of some of the oldest theories of aging, innate immune function is increasingly implicated as a modifier of age, and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. There is mounting evidence that mitochondria play a role in regulating innate immune function and inflammation, and that mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stress can lead to increased innate immune signaling. While severe mtDNA depletion is lethal, studies have shown that moderate depletion (50%) of mtDNA in mice induces a mitochondrial stress response that upregulates innate immune signaling. This signaling depends on release of mtDNA into the cytoplasm, and results in an increase in viral resistance however, the exact mechanisms by which mitochondrial stress leads to innate immune activation and subsequent effects on lifespan and susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease are not well understood. Here, we present a Drosophila model of mtDNA depletion in which expression of UL12.5, a nuclease expressed by the Herpes simplex-1 virus, degrades mtDNA. Expression of UL12.5 is developmentally lethal in an array of tissues, and conditional depletion of mtDNA in adult flies leads to decreased lifespan, exacerbates toxicity of the AD-related protein Tau, and induces an innate immune response that leads to increased resistance to acute bacterial challenge. This model provides an opportunity to extend our understanding of the role of sterile inflammation and mitochondrial stress in the etiology of age-related changes in immune function and susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease.
DHCR24 INSUFFICIENCY PROMOTES VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELL SENESCENCE AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Li Han , Yang Zhen , Liang Wukaiyang , Nie Hao , Yan Jinhua , Zhang Cuntai 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) senescence is critical for vascular dysfunction, which leads to age-related disease. DHCR24, a 3β-hydroxysterol δ 24 reductase with multiple functions other than enzymatic activity, has been involved in age-related disease. However, little is known about the relationship between DHCR24 and vascular ECs senescence. We revealed that DHCR24 expression is chronologically decreased in senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the aortas of aged mice. ECs senescence in endothelium-specific DHCR24 knockout mice was characterized by increased P16 and senescence-associated secretory phenotype, decreased SIRT1 and cell proliferation, impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, and elevated blood pressure. In vitro, DHCR24 knockdown in young HUVECs resulted in a similar senescence phenotype. DHCR24 deficiency impaired endothelial migration and tube formation and reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels. DHCR24 suppression also inhibited the caveolin-1/ERK signaling, probably responsible for increased reactive oxygen species production and decreased eNOS/NO. Conversely, DHCR24 overexpression enhanced this signaling pathway, blunted the senescence phenotype, and improved cellular function in senescent cells, effectively blocked by the ERK inhibitor U0126. Moreover, desmosterol accumulation induced by DHCR24 deficiency promoted HUVECs senescence and inhibited caveolin-1/ERK signaling. Our findings demonstrate that DHCR24 is essential in ECs senescence.
THE HARTLEY GUINEA PIG: A NOVEL MODEL FOR PROGRESSIVE NEURODEGENERATION?
Authors: Glennie Kristen , Latham Amanda , Moorthy Arsha , Walsh Maureen , LaRocca Thomas , Santangelo Kelly , Moreno Julie , Hamilton Karyn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) affect an estimated 55 million people worldwide; a staggering figure that is expected to grow in the coming years. With these projections looming, we have yet to identify any cures, treatments, or preventative strategies. Historically, AD/ADRD research is conducted using a genetically engineered model, that expresses a specific brain aging pathology. Modern research, however, has identified a complex and dynamic “inflammaging” phenotype that exists with and contributes to AD/ADRD pathology. Currently, we do not have an accessible or tractable preclinical model, that naturally mimics age-related progressive neurodegeneration in humans. Recent findings, however, suggest the Hartley guinea pig may address this need. Hartleys develop systemic inflammation and progressive age-related comorbidities characteristic of human aging. This whole-body aging phenotype prompted analyses in the brain, which found Hartleys exhibit sequence homology and similar transcriptomic mechanisms of human brain aging and AD. Hartleys also develop evidence of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the hippocampus. To further investigate these findings, we examined the histopathology of 4 brain regions often implicated in neurodegenerative decline, for evidence of progressive neuropathology. Analysis is ongoing, though early results support the presence of a neuroinflammatory age-related phenotype. Additionally, biomarker variability between each Hartley may mimic the natural progression of human ‘brain aging’; though more data are needed before conclusions are drawn. Findings from this study will contribute to the hypothesis that AD/ADRD is a whole-body disease, and ultimately support the goal of closing the existing translational gap between preclinical and clinical neurodegenerative research.