bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflections on Identity in Memoirs of Writers With Aphasia: Lessons Learned on the Path Toward Recovery
Authors: Ulatowska Hanna , Olness Gloria 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Personal stories provide insight into the experience of illness as it intersects with one’s identity. Prior studies by the first author examined identity as manifested in personal accounts of U.S. World War II veterans with and without dementia. The current study examines identity as revealed through written memoirs of middle-aged and older adults who have aphasia, from a cross-section of North American, European, and Australian cultures. The abrupt onset of stroke and associated aphasia, and the subsequent path toward re-engagement in life with an often-chronic communicative impairment, provide a unique window into the nature and evolution of the identity of the writer. The written modality offers an opportunity for reflective formulation that is not afforded to the memoir-writers in their verbal expression. Nineteen memoirs and biographical accounts of individuals with aphasia from a range of primarily individualistic cultures were examined for content reflective of the identity of the author, focused on post-stroke phases of restitution and quest. Primary authors were people with aphasia or rarely their close family member. Some were professional editors, poets or authors. Gender and life backgrounds were varietal. Manifestations of personal identity, its reinforcement, and its evolution were evidenced in: the provision of lessons learned from living with aphasia; content of letters exchanged with friends; engagement with family in life and recovery; fictional and poetic expression; spiritual insight; renewed or altered occupational pursuits; and comments on facing one’s mortality. Findings hold implications for the cross-cultural practice of narrative medicine with the older adult population.
Caring for a Family Member Living With Dementia When Adult Day Services Close
Authors: Marx Katherine , Parker Lauren , Gaugler Joseph , Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Gitlin Laura 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Adult Day Service (ADS) centers play an important role in community services that help families keep a person living with dementia (PLWD) at home. We interviewed 33 family caregivers about their experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the shutdown of the ADS centers where the PLWD attends. All 33 (100%) reported that the ADS center was shut for a period of time (range: 2 weeks – remain closed). Caregivers reported a decline in their physical health (33%,n=11) and mental health (52%,n=17) and an increase in feelings of loneliness (48%,n=16). For the PLWD, the caregivers noted, a decline in physical (48%,n=16) and mental (55%,n=18) health and an increase in behaviors (39%,n=13). The shutdown of most ADS centers across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had implications not only for the ADS sites but for the families that entrust them with the care for a family member.
Adult Day Services and COVID: A Crisis in Ohio
Authors: Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Wallace Susan , Bolin Salli 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
An Ohio Executive Order forced adult day service providers across the state to close from March 24, 2020 until September 21, 2020 due to COVID, resulting in significant hardship for providers and families. In fact, 65% of programs reported laying off or reducing staff and 83% of directors reported participants had to move to higher and more expensive levels of care such as nursing homes and assisted living. Programs reported that 74% of caregivers had to choose between working and taking care of their family members. Ninety-one percent of ADS program directors in Ohio reported their caregivers were experiencing an increase in stress and anxiety. This paper explores the experiences of Ohio adult day providers during the COVID epidemic, and identifies the challenges and opportunities to coalition building to educate policy makers about day services and the crucial care centers provide.
Early Versus Late Mild Cognitive Impairment: Neural Event-Related Oscillations During a Go/No Go Task
Authors: Lydon Elizabeth , Nguyen Lydia , Shende Shraddha , Chiang Hsueh-Sheng , Mudar Raksha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is marked by episodic memory deficits, which is used to classify individuals into early MCI (EMCI) and late MCI (LMCI). Growing evidence suggests that individuals with EMCI and LMCI differ in other cognitive functions including cognitive control, but these are less frequently studied. Using a semantic Go/NoGo task, we examined differences in cognitive control between EMCI and LMCI on behavioral (accuracy and reaction time) and neural (scalp-recorded event-related oscillations in theta and alpha band) measures. Although no behavioral differences were observed between the groups, EMCI and LMCI groups differed in patterns of neural oscillations for Go compared to NoGo trials. The EMCI group showed differences in theta power at central electrodes and alpha power at central and centro-parietal electrodes between Go and NoGo trials, while the LMCI group did not exhibit such differences. Furthermore, the LMCI group had higher theta synchronization on Go trials at central electrodes compared to the EMCI group. These findings suggest that while behavioral differences may not be observable, neural changes underlying cognitive control processes may differentiate EMCI and LMCI stages and may be useful to understand the trajectory of aMCI.
New Directions in Dietary Restriction: Remembering Edward Masoro
Authors: Richardson Arlan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In 1935, Clive McCay reported that severe restriction of food increased the lifespan of male rats. In the following four decades, several laboratories replicated this observation with less sever restrictions, which will be referred to as dietary restriction (DR). However, there were concerns even in the aging community in the 1970s as to whether DR increased lifespan by retarding aging. It was the research of two former Kleemeier Awardees, Edward Masoro and Roy Walford, that conclusively demonstrated in the 1980s that DR retarded aging resulting in improved healthspan and reduced pathology. Ed Masoro’s research was focused on lipid metabolism when he was invited to attend a workshop on metabolism and aging in 1969. His interest in aging was piqued such that the more he learned about aging, the more interested he became. In a subsequent workshop in 1973, Ed heard Morris Ross describe his research on restricting food intake on cancer and longevity. Ed was impressed that a relatively simple manipulation had such dramatic effects, and he decided to focus his research on DR. After an extensive review of the DR literature up to the 1970s, Ed established the 40% restriction paradigm, which is used in almost all DR studies to date. Ed’s group was the first to study aging and DR under barrier conditions which he established at San Antonio. Over the next two decades, Ed would direct a Program Project that showed DR had a dramatic effect on most age-related pathologies and improved many physiological functions. Studying the restriction of fat, protein, micronutrients, Ed came to the conclusion that total calories consumed was a key factor in the effect of DR on longevity. His group was the first to show that DR significantly reduced circulating levels of glucose and insulin, which was subsequently shown to occur because of increased insulin sensitivity and is now recognized as a hallmark of DR and potentially important in the anti-aging action of DR. Ed was chair of the Biological Sciences Section of GSA in 1979 and President in 1995. This session is dedicated to Edward Masoro who passed away on July 11, 2020 at the age or 95. Dr. Masoro was president in 1995 and BS chair in 1979, Clive McCay was President in 1949.
Nursing Home Social Services Directors Caring for Residents With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Gammonley Denise , Wang Xiaochuan , Simons Kelsey , Smith Kevin , Bern-Klug Mercedes 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Psychosocial care for residents with serious mental illness (SMI) requires understanding of co-morbidities and careful attention to needs, rights, and preferences. Analyses of social services directors (SSDs) responses (n=924) to the National Nursing Home Social Service Director Survey considered perceived roles and competence to provide care stratified by the percentage of NH residents with SMI. Depression screenings and biopsychosocial assessments were common roles regardless of the percentage of residents with SMI. About one-quarter lacked confidence to train colleagues in recognizing distinctions between depression, delirium and depression (23.4% unable) or to develop care plans for residents with SMI (26% unable). A bachelor’s degree (OR=0.64, 95% CI:0.43, 0.97) or less (OR= 0.47, 95% CI:0.25, 0.89) was associated with less perceived competence in care planning compared to those with a master’s degree. SSDs reported less involvement in referrals or interventions for resident aggression in homes with a high proportion of residents with SMI.
Nursing Home Social Services Directors' Roles and Self-Efficacy in Suicide Risk Management
Authors: Wang Xiaochuan , Simons Kelsey , Gammonley Denise , Roberts Amy Restorick , Bern-Klug Mercedes 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Nursing home (NH) residents face many risk factors for late life suicide, and transitions into and out of NHs represent risk periods for suicide. Based on data from the 2019 National Nursing Home Social Services Directors survey (n = 924), this presentation describes NH social services directors (SSDs) roles in managing suicide risk and factors that influence self-efficacy in this area. Nearly one-fifth (19.7%) of SSDs lack of self-efficacy in suicide risk management, reporting needing significant preparation time or being not able to train others on this topic. Results of ordinal logistic regression indicate that SSDs who consider insufficient social services staffing as a minor barrier (comparing with a major barrier) to psychosocial care, those who report greater involvement in safety planning for suicide risk, and those with Master’s degree, are more likely to perceive greater self-efficacy in suicide risk management. Implications for training and staffing will be discussed.
Another Set of Eyes: Recipients’ Views of the Benefits of Geriatric Specialty Telehealth Services
Authors: Dryden Eileen , Kernan Laura , Nearing Kathryn , Pimentel Camilla , Moo Lauren 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of GRECC Connect is to increase access to specialty care for medically complex, older, rural patients through e-consultations and telehealth visits. We interviewed 50 outpatient clinic staff and providers as well as 30 patients and caregivers about these services. Overall, the services were considered beneficial. For patients and caregivers, services alleviated the stress and cost of travel, they improved quality of life by increasing their understanding of the progression of an illness and providing treatment and guidance to increase patient functioning and reduce disruptive behaviors, and they eased anxiety associated with not receiving needed care. Having ‘another set of eyes’ on the patients reduced stress and anxiety for providers. Concerns included alignment of telehealth modality with the capabilities of older patients with cognitive problems, hearing loss and/or limited technological abilities and, for some providers, that the referral for and recommendations resulting from the service added to their workload.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Cognitive Aging: A Cross-Country Comparison Between England and China
Authors: Cadar Dorina , Zhao Yaohui , Yan Li , Brocklebank Laura , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Lower educational attainment is associated with a higher risk of dementia and a steeper cognitive decline in older adults. However, less clear is how other socioeconomic markers contribute to cognitive ageing and if these socioeconomic influences on cognitive ageing differ between England and China. We examined the relationship of education, household wealth, and urbanicity with cognitive performance and rate of change over 7-8 years follow up in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, national representative samples of England and China. We found that the rate of cognitive change appears to be socioeconomically patterned, primarily by education and area-based characteristics (urban vs rural), with a stronger impact of inequalities seen in rural China. Public health strategies for preventing cognitive decline and dementia should target socioeconomic gaps to reduce health disparities and protect those particularly disadvantaged in England and China.
Catastrophic Health Expenditures and Mental Health in Older Chinese People: The Role of Social Health Insurance
Authors: Yang Wei , Hu Bo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) has considerable effects on household living standards, but little is known regarding the impacts of CHE on people’s mental health. Using China as an example, this study examines the association between CHE and mental health and investigates whether and to what extent social health insurance (SHI) can lessen the impacts of CHE on mental health among older people aged over 60 in China. The data come from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011, 2013, and 2015, N = 13,166). We built fixed-effects quantile regression models to analyse the data. We found that incurring CHE has significantly detrimental effects on older people’s mental health, whereas the SHI demonstrates a protective effect. The observed protective effects of SHI are the strongest among those with relatively mild mental health problems, i.e., people whose CES-D scores are below the 50th percentile. Our findings provide empirical evidence that encourages the integration of psychologically informed approaches in health services. We also urge governments in low- and middle-income countries to consider more generous health financing mechanisms for those with higher healthcare needs.
The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House: The Role of Diversity in Anti-Racist Education
Authors: Lincoln Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Diversity is a strange fruit that requires critical analysis to understand its meaning, value and impact on education. Depending on the era, diversity has been defined in a number of different ways and has a variety of meanings across a range of contexts. The lack of shared meaning and understanding of diversity and who controls the diversity narrative have significant implications for the development of anti-racist pedagogy in gerontological education. This presentation will discuss the history and evolution of the “diversity discourse” and how mainstream notions of diversity impact diversity initiatives, curriculum design and anti-racist pedagogy. Strategies for engaging in an historical analysis of diversity and how this process relates to the design, leadership and ownership of anti-racist curriculum will be discussed, as well as the role of gerontology in leading these efforts.
Weak Ties That Bind: ICT Use, Social Relations, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults
Authors: Francis Jess , Webster Noah , Fakhoury Nour 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Information and communication technology (ICT) use has been associated with well-being among older adults. This link is often attributed to the fact that technology use facilitates connecting with social relations generally. What is less known, however, is the extent to which distinct dimensions of social relations uniquely influence how ICT use affects health. Thus, the importance of weak ties is receiving increased attention. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study collected in 2015, we examine the extent to which separate dimensions of weak ties (contact frequency and network size) mediate and moderate the link between technology use and depressive symptoms among adults age 65+ (n=213). A greater number of less close relations mediated the link as it was associated with technology use and fewer depressive symptoms. A moderating effect was also found as technology use was associated with fewer depressive symptoms only among those with lower contact frequency.
Emotion Regulation Resources Explain Middle-Aged and Older Adults' COVID-19-Related Distress
Authors: Park Cystal , Russell Beth , Fendrich Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As the pandemic caused widespread disruption across the world, studies suggested younger adults were faring more poorly than other adults. We hypothesized that younger adults might possess fewer emotion regulation resources and skills, accounting for their greater distress. In a national sample of 1528 adults, we examined how baseline resources (in mid-April, during initial peak infections) predicted distress (depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms) five weeks later, when states began initial reopenings. Younger adults reported greater distress and less social support, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills than did middle aged and older adults.. Controlling for stress exposure, younger adults’ distress was predicted by impulsivity and lack of perceived strategies while middle-aged and older adults’ distress was predicted by acceptance of negative emotions; perceived social support was related to lower distress for both groups but mindfulness was unrelated. Results suggest that emotion regulation skills are a promising prevention and intervention focus.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Outreach in the New Normal: Transitioning to the Virtual World
Authors: Andersen Stacy , Heyn Patricia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Following disruptions to research, clinical trials, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), 2020 taught us important lessons about the need for creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness during an urgent and global public health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that we have knowledge and technology that can be rapidly implemented, adopted, and utilized by many sectors to allow the continued care and research of our older adult population with ADRD. Thus, this symposium will address virtual methods that are transforming ADRD research and support. First, Dr. Rhodus will discuss the implementation of online assessments in clinical trials at an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the effects of sociodemographic disparities in online accessibility. Next, Dr. Bazzano will describe methods of remote collection of brain health data through tablets, smartphones, and wearables in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Then, Dr. Andersen will report on the transition from in-person to virtual assessments of cognitive and physical function in centenarian studies and address strategies for inclusivity of individuals with limited technology experience. Next, Dr. Fazio will introduce Project VITAL which aims to impact social isolation by increasing accessibility to virtual education and support for care community staff, family caregivers, and individuals with dementia. Finally, Dr. Penfold will report on the translation of a paper-based, face-to-face intervention for reducing caregiver burden into a self-directed online learning program. Overall, these presentations highlight successes and challenges in incorporating virtual-based methods to maintain engagement with participants, individuals with ADRD, and caregivers during the pandemic and beyond.
Longevity Studies in the New Normal: The Move to Virtual Assessment
Authors: Andersen Stacy , Rizer Sandra , Souci Lance San , Berlin Melissa , Harris Emily , Cosentino Stephanie , Sebastiani Paola , Perls Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Extreme longevity is associated with resilience to Alzheimer’s disease. A major goal of centenarian studies is therefore to identify factors associated with maintaining cognitive function throughout life. Over the past year, two studies of centenarians and their offspring (age 60-110+ years) have pivoted from in-home assessments of cognitive and physical function to hybridized, Zoom-based assessments including comprehensive cognitive testing, blood pressure, grip strength, and accelerometry and biological sample collections. Protocols were optimized for accessibility for individuals with limited technology experience (e.g., investigator remotely controls all functions of the participant’s tablet) and sensory impairments (e.g., integration of wireless headphones) and include high-sensitivity data collection (e.g., sensor-based wearables and digital recording of cognitive test responses). Advantages of virtual administration included the ability to accommodate fatigue through multi-day assessment and to include geographically-isolated individuals. Disadvantages included participant burden due to equipment setup and inability to collect certain measures virtually (e.g., carotid ultrasounds).
Air Pollution Exposure Is Associated With Cognitive Performance: Results From the Einstein Aging Study
Authors: Roque Nelson , Hall Charles , Katz Mindy , Sliwinski Martin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Prior research has established that those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5) air pollution have higher levels of accumulated amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in frontal cortex at autopsy, higher error rates on cognitive function assessments, and lower scores on memory and both verbal and non-verbal intelligence assessments. We explored the relationship between regional air quality monitoring measures (EPA AirData) and baseline cognitive performance of 312 older adults, from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS, NIA P01AG003949). Participants completed neuropsychological assessments at baseline and each followup wave (i.e., delayed free recall and total recall; Trails A & B, Digit Symbol substitution task (DSST), MoCA). For each participant, based on their zipcode, we computed average PM2.5 exposure at various exposure windows (1-15, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120 days prior to baseline). Adjusting for age, education, and gender across all models, mean of daily particulate matter exposure at various exposure windows (30-60, 60-90 days) was significantly related to performance on the MoCA and Trails A & B, in expected directions (i.e., higher pollution, worse cognitive performance - more error, slower speed). Models with memory performance as the outcome indicated that only distant time horizons were related to memory performance (i.e., 60-90, 90-120 days prior). These findings suggest that particulate matter air pollution likely affects different cognitive domains at different timescales. This methodology cannot address contributions from indoor air quality and mobility - an exposure misclassification likely resulting in significant biases towards the null in the estimation of the effects of air pollution.