bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults: Changes in Health Access, Health, Socialization and Adaptive Coping Activities
Authors: Scott Judith , Yun Stacy , Qualls Sara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Indirect effects of stay-at-home guidelines may negatively affect mental health by reducing health self-care behaviors and engagement in social participation. This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling older adults’ perceived physical and mental health and everyday health behaviors. 126 older adults participated in a county-wide telephone survey during June-July of 2020, asking about changes in mental and physical health, and adaptations in health behaviors. We investigated the effects of three negative everyday health behavior changes during the pandemic (changes in health services access, perceived changes in health, and increased social isolation) as well as two positive everyday health behaviors (adherence to stay-at-home guidelines to reduce risk, and adaptive coping activities) on mental health and COVID-related distress. Examples of active coping strategies were stockpiling resources, spiritual practices, or outreach to others. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions characterized the impact of COVID-19 on perceived mental health. Descriptive data included changes in health service access, changes in mental and physical health, reduced social engagement, increased adherence to guidelines, and increased adaptive coping activities. Significant predictors of mental health impact of the pandemic were changes in health service access (β = .18, p &lt; .05), health changes (β = .25, p &lt; .01), and adaptive coping activities (β = .21, p &lt; .05). Findings suggest COVID-19 distress may be alleviated with improved health care access and increased social contact. Mental health challenges may also benefit from increased engagement in adaptive coping activities.
Adaptability of Older Adults at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Blackman Laurie , Wang Donna , Krase Kathryn , Roberson-Steele Joyce , Clarke-Jones Annette , Attis Latoya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
It is important to understand the unique experiences and perspectives of older adults who were required to incorporate critical adjustments to behavior during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous, cross sectional survey was administered online through Qualtrics Survey Software in June 2020. The results of this study found that older adults utilized different sources of information than younger adults; they were more likely to read the newspaper or listen to the radio, and less likely to rely on social media for information. Older respondents in this study reported coping with the COVID-19 outbreak better than younger respondents, were less likely to report that they were personally affected by the virus, and less likely to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information about COVID-19. The findings of this study highlight resilience in older adults not found in younger adults, and provide an important step in identifying policy and practice suggestions to reduce negative repercussions for older adults experiencing the current crisis, as well as future generations of older adults who might experience similar events.
Spatial Distribution of COVID-19 and Comorbidities in New England
Authors: Lee Chae Man , Jansen Taylor , Xu Shu , Karakida Maki , Porell Frank , Silverstein Nina , Dugan Elizabeth 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified chronic conditions which elevated the risk of COVID-19 complications: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and obesity. The aim of this study is to visualize the spatial distribution of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and local rates of comorbidities in CT, MA, NH, and RI and to identify the spatial clustering of hot spot between COVID-19 cases and rates of a summary measure of comorbidities across communities. This study collected data from state’s departments of public health in 4 New England states of confirmed COVID-19 cases as of February 25th, 2021 and extracted community-level rates of comorbidities among adults age 65+ from recent Healthy Aging Data Report (www.healthyagingdatareports.org). Results showed that the cities Bridgeport, CT (n=14,637), Boston, MA (n=57,912), Manchester, NH (n=9,658), and Providence, RI (n=26,792) had the highest rates of COVID-19 and the highest population density. The GIS based map illustrated that the largest cities with the highest population densities had both relatively high incidences of COVID-19 and heavy burdens of comorbidities. This study found that the hot spot areas of COVID-19 were observed in communities with the highest chronic disease burdens. These hot spots of COVID-19 and comorbidities are areas where resources (testing, masks, vaccines) should be surged to protect the community. The identification of hot spots may motivate residents to take every mitigation step to prevent and control COVID-19.
A Remote Music-Based Service-Learning Project to Support Isolated Older Adults in Long-Term Care
Authors: King Emma , Reschke-Hernandez Alaine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Growth of the aging population warrants a commitment to teaching students to work effectively with older adults. In an online university course focused on inclusive music practices, students engaged in an extensive service-learning project to enhance course learning objectives and increase sensitivity to disability, social justice, and inclusion issues across the lifespan. Based on community needs, one student aimed to reduce isolation among older adults living in a long-term care facility. The student selected this target and population because of the detrimental effects of isolation on psychosocial, cognitive, and physical well-being; and reduced access to interactive programs and services among older adults living in residential facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Components of the project included a service-learning proposal, an annotated bibliography, an interview with the community partner, three activity designs, and a reflective essay. Based on existing research regarding interventions used to reduce isolation among older adults, the three activities the student designed were music bingo, interactive singing, and stretches to music. Throughout the service-learning process, the student consulted the community partner to ensure relevance of the activities. Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), such as providing multiple visual and auditory means to engage with materials, enhanced accessibility of the activities. In this presentation, the student and course instructor will reflect on this case experience and the value of service-learning to foster professional skill development, engaged citizenship in working effectively with older adults, and an appreciation of the need for justice, equity, and fairness for all community members.
Assessing Needs, Well-being, and Telehealth Access of Older Adults with Limited Resources during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Damier Sashah , Twahir Assma , Tewary Sweta , Pandya Naushira , Cook Nicole 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created new barriers and challenges to accessing primary care services, particularly among older adults who already faced barriers related to access to care, including transportation, health literacy, and self-management support. Nova Southeastern University South Florida Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (NSU SFGWEP) partnered with primary care clinics to conduct wellness calls to older adult patients identified through clinic EHR. The wellness calls’ objectives were to 1) discuss COVID-19 protective measures; 2) assess wellness needs and access to care barriers; and 3) screen for telehealth support. From September 2020 to February 2021, the team (including medical students, public health students, and SFGWEP staff) contacted 200 patients via telephone and conducted a comprehensive wellness survey developed by the study team, informed by validated surveys. Among the 200 patients called, 60% (n=34) were very concerned about the Covid-19 pandemic, 33% (n=34) reported often feeling isolated from others, and 20% (n=34) expressed difficulty getting medical care. A smaller subset of patients reported concern about limited COVID-19 testing (n=1), lack of knowledge about seeing their provider via telehealth (n=7), lack of face masks (n=1), and challenges with obtaining medication refills (n=1). Following wellness calls, the NSU SFGWEP team provided education, referred to clinical resources, and, for low-income patients with access to care challenges, provided Samsung Tablets (n=50) with peer training to enable telehealth.
Regional Microstructural Integrity in Relation to Gait Speed: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Sullivan Kevin , Blackshear Chad , Hughes Timothy , Gottesman Rebecca , Vemuri Prashanthi , Mosley Thomas , Griswold Michael , Windham B Gwen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Brain imaging-based biomarkers of neuropathology are associated with mobility in older adults, but the relation of regional microstructural integrity to gait speed in the context of a broader neuropathological profile is less understood. We examined cross-sectional associations of microstructural integrity with 4-meter usual-pace gait speed (cm/s) in a subsample of ARIC study participants who completed 3T MRI brain scans with diffusion tensor imaging(2011-13; n=1785; mean age=76.2±5.3, 60% Female, 28% Black). We considered total brain and six regional averages of fractional anisotropy (FA; lower=worse microstructural integrity) and mean diffusivity (MD; higher=worse microstructural integrity): frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, anterior and posterior corpus callosum. Associations were tested in multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and with and without additional neuropathological indices: total brain volume, white matter hyperintensities, infarcts, and microhemorrhages. When modeled separately, all neuropathology indices were associated with slower gait speed. Every standard deviation(SD) higher total brain FA was associated with +2.56 cm/s gait speed (95%CI: 1.64,3.48) and every SD higher MD was associated with -4.27 cm/s gait speed (-5.34,-3.20). All regional estimates were comparable. When adjusted for all other neuropathology indices, only posterior corpus callosum FA (β=1.72; 0.67,2.77), total MD (β=-1.63; -3.02,-0.25), frontal lobe MD (β=-1.76; -3.03,-0.48), and temporal lobe MD (β=-1.40; -2.78,-0.02) remained significantly associated with gait speed. Microstructural integrity is an informative measure of brain pathology in relation to mobility, with regional measures tied to executive, memory, and somatosensory function being more informative when a broader neuropathological profile is considered.
Exploring Well-Being Outcomes Among Persons Living with Dementia: Self-Reports Versus Caregiver Proxy Reports
Authors: Minyo Morgan , Powers Sara , Ciancibello Alyssa , Schaffer Rachel , Bass David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A vast amount of research has focused on the development of dementia caregiving evidence-based programs (EBPs) in order to mitigate the well-known negative impacts of providing care for persons living with dementia (PLWD). In order to support efficacious results, many programs utilize a variety of both objective and subjective outcomes as typically reported by the caregiver or collected via medical history and clinical assessments. However, more recent research has attempted to understand the subjective illness experience of PLWD through self-report measures. Using data obtained from an online database (i.e., Best Practice Caregiving), that currently provides in-depth information on 44 dementia caregiving EBPs, the current study aimed to examine the number of EBPs that incorporated PLWD self-report measures on a variety of well-being outcomes. Results indicate that out of the 44 EBPs included for analysis: 1) Four out of 19 programs evaluating PLWD symptom severity/difficulty/distress used a PLWD self-report measure; 2) Eight out of 10 programs evaluating PLWD symptoms of depression used a PLWD self-report measure; 3) Five out of 10 programs evaluating PLWD quality of life/care utilized a PLWD self-report measure; and 4) One out of 9 programs evaluating ADL/IADL dependencies utilized a PLWD self-report measure. Discussion will focus on potential gaps and limitations of primarily using caregiver proxy reports to collect personal well-being outcomes for PLWD and ways in which researchers can integrate more self-report measures into intervention and programmatic evaluations.
FIRST: Enhancing Agency Dementia Capability through Dementia-Specific Interventions and Supportive Services
Authors: Wellbrock Elizabeth , Hutchinson Joanna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Through the First Identify and Refer then Serve and Track (FIRST) Project, individuals and caregivers have critical connections to community organizations and resources to learn ways to handle living with memory problems. The FIRST project integrated new practices into existing programs to address gaps in service and piloted a new dementia-specific case management program. The initial intervention is a system-level change within the County of San Diego’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS) department to identify, pilot, and implement a brief Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) screening tool. The tool was used by non-clinical personnel to identify potential ADRD cases. Individuals who screened positive for possible ADRD were referred to their physicians for an accurate diagnosis. The second intervention consisted of two components: a behavioral symptom management intervention for social workers to use in the home with caregivers and a dementia-specific case management program (including respite care) to improve quality of life and future planning for those with ADRD living alone or with a family caregiver. As of January 2021, 536 clients across several AIS programs have been screened for ADRD, of which, 60% screened positive. FIRST case management has served 196 clients, 70 who lived alone and 126 who lived with their caregiver. Respite was provided to 98 clients totaling to 3,666 hours. This poster evaluates the effectiveness of the program components in increasing dementia capability of an agency, and where applicable, its effect on caregiver burden and self-efficacy.
Religion and Spirituality Measures in Dementia: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Britt Katherine , Acton Gayle , Kwak Jung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Literature documents positive effects of religion and spirituality on health including improved cognitive function, quality of life, and well-being. Extant research suggests that persons living with dementia (PWD) are more likely to have spiritual needs and rely on others to support their spiritual well-being than those without dementia. However, spiritual care is absent or minimally present in dementia care. To effectively address spiritual needs of PWDs, accurate screening and assessment is critical. We conducted an integrative review of the current literature on measures of religion and spiritualty for PWDs by searching five databases (ATLA Religion, CINAHL, PsychInfo, PubMed, and SocIndex) and identified 14 studies that were peer-reviewed original research articles focusing on assessment of religion/spirituality among PWDs and published between 2000-2020 in English. Most were conducted in Europe (n=7), included PWD in mild stage (n=68) from various settings, and were cross-sectional in design (n=8). Of a total of 17 measures identified, 6 were originally developed for the general population and then adapted for PWD, and only 3 were validated for PWD. A majority of the studies were limited in sample size, generalizability, methodological rigor, and measure validation. More research is needed using diverse samples and rigorous study designs to develop valid screening and assessment tools for this population. Improving religious and spiritual measures could greatly impact public health by improving quality of life for millions of individuals suffering from dementia and their caregivers who carry a heavy burden.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Trajectories of Dementia Onset
Authors: Rote Sunshine , Moon Heehyul 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Racial and ethnic minority older adults—especially non-Latino Black and Latino older adults—continue to have a higher prevalence of dementia with longer delays in formal diagnosis compared to non-Latino Whites. Few studies have estimated racial/ethnic differences in trajectories of dementia onset using nationally representative data with representation from the three largest racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.: non-Latino White, non-Latino Black, and Latino older adults. Additionally, given the delays in formal diagnosis we rely on a measure of probable dementia that takes into account both formal diagnosis and cognitive function. Data from the National Health and Aging Trend Study (NHATS, 2011–2019) reveals three trajectories of dementia onset (early, late, and dementia-free) and we find that Latino and Black older adults are at greater risk for early dementia onset compared to non-Latino Whites. Our next step is to explore the role of social function for dementia disparities.
Recognizing and Intervening on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in the Age of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Pi-Ju , Teaster Pamela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. Public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and self-quarantine, have drastically altered people’s lives and led to social isolation, financial instability, and disrupted access to healthcare and social services. Older adults have not only borne the brunt of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates, but recent studies also describe growing reports of elder mistreatment. It is necessary to attend to these age-related disparities during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and future health crises. This symposium includes four presentations on researchers’ findings in elder mistreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. E-Shien Chang will compare prevalence of elder mistreatment before and since the pandemic, and highlight associated risk and protective factors during the pandemic. Dr. Lena Makaroun will examine changes in elder mistreatment risk factors among caregivers during the pandemic. Dr. Pamela Teaster will present Adult Protective Services’ (APS) policy and practice changes in response to the pandemic to demonstrate the pandemic’s impact on service providers. Lastly, Dr. Pi-Ju (Marian) Liu will appraise elder mistreatment victims’ awareness of COVID-19 and their unmet needs during the pandemic. Following the four presentations, Dr. Pamela Teaster will moderate a discussion on how elder mistreatment is a growing concern, especially during the pandemic, and what service providers are doing to protect older adults.
Relationship Functioning and Gut Microbiota Composition Among Older Adult Couples: Feasibility of Data Collection
Authors: Langer Shelby , Guest M Aaron , Tolson Melissa , Ortiz Juan Maldonado , DiBaise John , Labonte Helene , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
An emerging area of research extends work on couple functioning and physical health to gut health, a critical marker of general health and known to diminish with age. As a foray into this area, we conducted a pilot study to determine feasibility of data collection (questionnaires and a stool sample) among older adult couples. Participants were recruited from the community using a variety of methods including social media. Among 41 persons responding with interest across recruitment sources, 32 were contacted for screening. Inclusion criteria were: age 60+, marriage or cohabiting partnership, and English speaking/understanding. Exclusion criteria were a gastrointestinal disorder, receiving enteric nutrition, use of antibiotics (past month), cancer treatment (past 6 months), and a +COVID-19 diagnosis (past 2 months). Among 31 eligible couples, 30 consented. All 60 participants completed questionnaires and provided a stool sample using DNAgenotek’s OMR-200 collection kit, chosen for its ease and because samples can be stored at room temperature for 60 days. Sample characteristics were: M (SD) age = 66.57 (4.78); 53.3% female; 91.7% White; 1.7% Latinx; and 78.3% college-educated. 2 couples were same-sex. 43% reported at least one health condition and 25% reported use of a proton pump inhibitor (which can affect the gut microbiome), though none daily. Relational well-being was moderate-high on average per measures of dyadic adjustment and intimacy. Despite original plans to recruit couples in-person from a retirement community, remote operations were feasible via online assessment and study-coordinated shipping, a necessary yet fruitful shift due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Teaching in Geriatrics: Is structured written feedback effective for lectures
Authors: Pohlmann Theresa , Hager Klaus , Paulmann Volker , Steffens Sandra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Although there have been discussions about traditional lecturing, lectures are still largely a widespread concept of knowledge transfer. Therefore, it is important to constantly review and evaluate this format. The aims of this study were to analyze which effect a criteria-based written feedback has on the lecture course in geriatrics as an alternative to the conventional student evaluation. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate what kind of impact structured feedback has on lecturers in terms of content, organization and quality. Methods: The study was a prospective longitudinal analysis. The 34 lectures on the subject of geriatrics were analyzed over two cohorts using a standardized evaluation sheet. The assessment was carried out on a 5-point-scale using a 22-item feedback instrument. After the first evaluation, each lecturer received an individual evaluation with strengths and suggestions for improvement. In the second cohort the lecture series was evaluated again, and individual feedback was sent. Results: In six of 22 sub-categories the improvement was significant. The most significant improvement was made in terms of content/structure with an increase from 3.4 to 4.3 points. Conclusion: This study shows that significant improvement in teaching is possible by means of individualized written feedback for the lecturers and that students perceive the resulting improvements positively. Our results suggest that the implementation of these feedback instruments in other modules might improve their teaching as well.