bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronobiological Factors Related to Sleep and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Persons Living With Dementia
Authors: Hodgson Nancy , Dong Fanghong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Circadian rhythm disturbances (CRD) are commonly seen in people living with dementia. A clear understanding of the role of CRD in dementia etiology will be beneficial by exploring the exogenous factors (externally influence the duration of sleep hours, such as light/dark cycles) and endogenous factors (internal biological rhythm, such as diurnal cortisol pattern). This symposium will apply a chronobiological approach to study exogenous and endogenous factors that influence circadian rhythm and their effects on sleep and neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons living with dementia (PLWD). Four paper presentations will use secondary data analysis of data from the Healthy Patterns Clinical Trial (NCT03682185), a randomized controlled trial of a home-based activity intervention designed to improve circadian rhythm disorders in PLWD. We will first describe the circadian rhythm pattern reflected by endogenous factors (salivary cortisol), then examine salivary cortisol (endogenous) and white light intensity (exogenous) and on subjective sleep and neuropsychiatric symptoms (including depression) in PLWD, respectively. In session 1, we will present cortisol diurnal rhythm pattern in PLWD using a cross-sectional design. In session 2, we will discuss the relationship between salivary cortisol indicators and depressive symptoms. In session 3, we focus on the association between diurnal cortisol slope and neuropsychiatric symptoms using the baseline data. In session 4, we describe the association between evening white light exposure and subjective sleep. The discussant will describe how these findings build on our understanding the nature of circadian rhythm disturbance in dementia and inform future research and treatment approaches.
Bedtime Salivary Cortisol and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults Living With Dementia
Authors: Dong Fanghong , McPhillips Miranda , Petrovsky Darina , Huang Liming , Adriana Adriana , Hodgson Nancy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The dysregulation of cortisol has been associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. To date, no prospective longitudinal studies have examined whether salivary cortisol is a risk factor for depressive symptoms in persons living with dementia (PLWD). With a sample of 123 PLWD, baseline salivary cortisol was collected at awaking, 30 minutes after awaking, and bedtime. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and the four-week follow-up. Cortisol indicator were centered. Baseline bedtime cortisol level was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in a curvature style while controlling age, gender, and baseline depressive symptoms (β=3.76 for linear term and β=-1.57 for quadratic term, both ps&lt;0.04). No other baseline cortisol measures were significant prospective predictors. Our results suggest the bedtime cortisol was a significant risk factor for depressive symptoms in PLWD. These findings suggest that bedtime cortisol may play a role in the etiology of depressive symptoms in PLWD.
Salivary Cortisol Patterns in People Living With Dementia
Authors: Petrovsky Darina , Dong Fanghong , Huang Liming , Aryal Subhash , Perez G Adriana , Hodgson Nancy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Salivary cortisol has a well-documented circadian pattern in older adults. Yet, the pattern of salivary cortisol in persons living with dementia (PLWD) due to circadian rhythm disturbances is unknown. This study examined diurnal salivary cortisol patterns in 176 PLWD (mean age 73.6±8.8, 33.3% male, clinical dementia rating &gt;=0.5) by collecting saliva at waking (AM1), 30 minutes after waking (AM2) and bedtime (PM) over two consecutive days. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) was calculated as the change between AM2 and AM1 cortisol levels. The mean baseline salivary cortisol levels (ug/dl) were 0.35 (SD:0.3) at AM1, 0.40 (SD:0.39) at AM2, and 0.19 (SD:0.4) at PM. On average, cortisol levels decreased from morning to evening, with 58% exhibiting a positive CAR (mean 0.05; SD:0.34). There were no significant associations between cortisol levels with age, sex, obesity, and comorbidities. The findings demonstrated that diurnal cortisol rhythms are maintained in PLWD with a flattened CAR.
Sensory Impairment and Beta-Amyloid Deposition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Armstrong Nicole , Cai Yurun , Wang Hang , Schrack Jennifer , Agrawal Yuri , Simonsick Eleanor , Resnick Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Studies have demonstrated a link between sensory impairment and dementia risk, but little is known about the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in individuals with single and multisensory impairments. Sensory function (combinations of vision, hearing, vestibular function, and proprioception) and amyloid PET imaging were measured in 170 BLSA participants (age=78± 9 years; 53% women; 77% white; 28% amyloid positive) from 2012 to 2019. Log-binomial regression models were used to examine the prevalence ratios (PR) of amyloid positivity for individual sensory impairments and across categories of impairments. While crude associations indicate associations of vision impairment (PR=1.72, p=0.04) and impairments in all four senses (PR=2.38, p=0.03) with amyloid positivity, these associations were insignificant after adjusting for age, sex, race, and education. There were no other crude and adjusted associations. These results suggest sensory impairments may be related to dementia independent of AD pathology. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Older Adults and Their Needs for Services?
Authors: Bayne Alycia , Kennedy Mallory , Alvarez Emily , Wright Bernadette , Theilheimer Lucy , Benz Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has had profound effects on older adults and will have lasting impacts on their preferences and needs for services, including those offered by Meals on Wheels and other community organizations. Organizations serving older adults would benefit from insights about how to prioritize resources and services to address older adults’ needs during the pandemic and beyond. On behalf of Meals on Wheels America, NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a study to explore COVID-19’s impacts on older adults and older adults’ needs during the pandemic. We conducted two data collection activities with adults age 60 and older: a nationally representative survey with 1,535 respondents and 24 interviews. Results indicated that COVID-19 has affected older adults’ physical and mental health, social connectedness, employment, and use of services and technology. Informal networks of family members and friends are a source of assistance for 50% of older adults during the pandemic. Impacts of COVID-19 differed by income, rurality, disability status, and living situation. Findings documented the extent to which older adults had unmet needs during the pandemic, such as activities to help keep busy at home and affordable food to meet dietary needs. Survey respondents who have a lower income, are 75 and older, live alone, and who are Black were more likely to have unmet needs. Findings suggested a need to strengthen partnerships among organizations that serve older adults to address diverse needs, conduct ongoing assessments of older adults’ needs and preferences, and enhance assistance for informal support networks.
Depression and Age-Related Changes in Body Composition, Cardiovascular Function, Grip Strength, and Lung Function
Authors: Mutz Julian , Lewis Cathryn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Individuals with mental disorders, on average, die prematurely, have higher levels of physical comorbidities and may experience accelerated ageing. In individuals with lifetime depression and healthy controls, we examined associations between age and multiple physiological measures. The UK Biobank study recruited &gt;500,000 participants, aged 37-73, between 2006–2010. Generalised additive models were used to examine associations between age and grip strength, cardiovascular function, body composition, lung function and bone mineral density. Analyses were conducted separately in males and females with depression compared to healthy controls. Analytical samples included up to 342,393 adults (mean age = 55.87 years; 52.61% females). We found statistically significant differences between individuals with depression and healthy controls for most physiological measures, with standardised mean differences between -0.145 and 0.156. There was some evidence that age-related changes in body composition, cardiovascular function, lung function and heel bone mineral density followed different trajectories in individuals with depression. These differences did not uniformly narrow or widen with age. For example, BMI in female cases was 1.1 kg/m2 higher at age 40 and this difference narrowed to 0.4 kg/m2 at age 70. In males, systolic blood pressure was 1 mmHg lower in cases at age 45 and this difference widened to 2.5 mmHg at age 65. Individuals with depression differed from healthy controls across a broad range of physiological measures. Differences in ageing trajectories differed by sex and were not uniform across physiological measures, with evidence of both age-related narrowing and widening of case-control differences.
The Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites QA and KYNA induce senescence in Bone Marrow Stem Cells through the AhR Pathway
Authors: Kondrikov Dmitry , Elmansi Ahmed , Shi Xing-ming , McGee-Lawrence Meghan , Fulzele Sadanand , Hamrick Mark , Isales Carlos , Hill William 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cell senescence is emerging as a critical factor in the pathophysiology of aging bone loss. We have shown that the essential amino acid tryptophan is metabolized by IDO-1 in the periphery to generate kynurenine (KYN), and that KYN can signal though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor pathway to inhibit osteogenesis in bone marrow MSCs via epigenetic regulation of osteogenic genes, while also upregulating osteoclastogenic transcription factors and genes driving osteoclast activity. Further, we recently showed that KYN acting via AhR inhibits MSC autophagy while inducing senescence. Here we demonstrate that KYN metabolites downstream from KYN act via the AhR signaling pathway to inhibit autophagy and induce SASP expression and drive senescence in murine and human bone marrow MSCs. We focused on two of these metabolites, quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) and investigated their effects on BMSC cellular function. We demonstrated that both kynurenine pathway metabolites QA and KYNA increase biomarkers for senescence including beta-galactosidase, p21/Cdkn1 and other SASPs such as PAI-1 and TIMP-2, as well as nuclear DNA damage leading to senescent markers like H2A Ser139 phosphorylation, and the accumulation of senescence-associated hetero chromatin foci (SAHF) with H3K9-me3 labeling. Then upon treatment with the AhR inhibitor 3’4’-DMF the disruption of autophagy and induction of senescent biomarkers was blocked. Like KYN, the effects of QA and KYNA were mediated through the AhR receptor. Therefore, this presents novel therapeutic targets linked to KYN metabolite signaling via AhR to prevent senescence and bone loss.
Reasoning About Life Transitions in Relation to Perceived Housing: In-Depth Data From Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Erik , Schmidt Steven , Kylén Maya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The accessibility and suitability of housing to improve health and well-being for the growing share of older adults in the population has important policy implications. Yet, current housing policies tend to neglect the heterogeneity of older adults housing needs which vary across age, health, and personal preferences. Little is known about how life transitions in combination with perceived housing relates to good aging. This qualitative study aims to explore the relationship between perceived housing, life transitions, well-being, health, and participation in older age. Participants were community-dwelling and aged 65-75 years. All participants reported multiple transitions considered as important for the way they viewed their housing situation and social relationships as well as for the choices they made around their housing. The findings from this project may be used to develop health promotion programs that proactively support housing decisions along the process of ageing and enable full participation in society.
How Is Daily Social Interaction Related to Loneliness in Older Adults? The Roles of Trait Loneliness and Personality.
Authors: Zhaoyang Ruixue , Scott Stacey , Harrington Karra , Sliwinski Martin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Loneliness is prevalent among older adults and is associated with increased risks for morbidity and mortality. This study examined what types of social interactions could reduce loneliness for older adults and who would benefit the most from social interactions. We used data from 312 community-dwelling older adults (aged 70 to 90 years) who completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) five times a day for 16 consecutive days using smartphones (n=20,507 reports), as part of the ongoing Einstein Aging Study (EAS). At each EMA, participants reported their social interactions in the past 3 to 4 hours and their current feelings of loneliness. Results from multilevel models revealed that older adults reported lower levels of loneliness on occasions when they had pleasant social interactions (p&lt;.000) or interactions with family (p=.001) in the past few hours, compared with occasions when they had no social interaction. In contrast, they reported higher levels of loneliness if they had unpleasant social interactions in the past few hours (p=.004). These within-person (WP) effects of social interactions on momentary loneliness were significantly moderated by participants’ trait levels of loneliness and neuroticism; and were significantly stronger among those with higher (vs. lower) trait loneliness (ps &lt;.001) or neuroticism (ps &lt;.042). Other personality traits (Extraversion, Openness, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness) did not moderate any WP association. These results highlight the importance of having pleasant social interactions and frequent interactions with family for reducing older adults’ loneliness in daily life, especially for those higher in trait loneliness and neuroticism.
Gender, Stress, and Mental Health Among Older African Americans
Authors: Erving Christy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Across studies on social stress exposure on the mental health of older African Americans, most investigate singular stress exposures (discrimination). Furthermore, this research rarely assesses gender differences in the psychological effects of specific stress exposures. I use the National Survey of American of Life to assess: (1) gendered patterns of stress exposure among older African Americans; (2) gendered nuances in the individual, collective, and cumulative effects of stress exposure on mental health. I find gender patterns of stress exposure differed by type of stressor. Women and men shared some stress predictors of mental health (everyday discrimination). Other stress predictors were specific to women (health-related mobility challenges) or to men (perceived neighborhood crime). Study findings challenge gerontologists to consider how race-gender groups are at distinct risks for stressors that elicit poor mental health and provide a call for tailored strategies for improving the psychological health of African American women and men.
Reimagining Training During a Pandemic: The Experience of Middle Tennessee GWEP
Authors: Rhodes Shana , Powers James 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A major component of The Middle Tennessee GWEP involves delivery of an annual regional geriatrics update conference. Formerly in-person, the planning committee transformed the 34th Annual Update Conference to a virtual platform within a six-month period. The University partner provided a Zoom platform with licensing and training of program staff. National marketing was achieved through professional societies and purchased e-mailings. Participants numbered 79, including 8 disciplines. Presenters were instructed on platform techniques including screen sharing, polling function, and breakout rooms to enhance audience participation. REDCap registration captured demographic information and facilitated evaluations and post-attendance intention-to-change surveys. Lessons learned were shared with community partners and advisory board members who demonstrated changes in service delivery models and training of new staff to support care to greater numbers of clients and participants. Virtual platforms can extend outreach for valuable learning and service outcomes and maintain high levels of satisfaction among target audiences.
New Networks, New Connections: Geriatric Student Scholars Embrace Adaptive Learning
Authors: McAtee Robin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AR’s GWEP) embraces, nurtures, and encourages students with a passion for caring for older adults. Each year five geriatric scholars are chosen from across the spectrum of health services schools (MD, RN, PT, PA, Pharm D, dental hygiene, etc.) to enhance their geriatric knowledge and experience. Requirements focus on geriatric academic and community-based opportunities. However, these opportunities drastically changed with the pandemic. Therefore, the students became very innovative as they trudged forward to meet and exceed the scholar objectives. They participated in various virtual events to fulfil their academic and community participation requirements. They worked together to develop and implement an interdisciplinary final project that marketed to and engaged rural isolated older adults in a fun educational event aimed at preventing social isolation in older adults and caregivers. Students learned how to connect to and bridge the digital divide with isolated rural older adults.
Adapting the ADS Plus Program and Study for a Spanish Speaking Population
Authors: Johnson Elma , Marx Katherine , Nkimbeng Manka , Gaugler Joseph , Gitlin Laura , Parker Lauren 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While Hispanic/Latinos are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease, they are often cited as a “difficult-to-reach population” to engage in community-based research or clinical trials. One reason may be that many community-based supportive interventions for dementia caregivers are not adapted for Spanish-speaking populations. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the process of adapting the Adult Day Services Plus (ADS Plus) program for this population. In addition to translating ADS Plus into Spanish, staff, familiar with the program from four sites, which serve a predominantly Hispanic population, participated in a set of three focus groups that reviewed recruitment and intervention materials. Emerging themes included, Hispanic caregivers do not refer to themselves as caregivers but as the familial relationship (e.g. daughter, son, wife), and Hispanics often view research as a waste of resources. Future studies should consider these cultural elements towards caregiving in developing programs for Spanish-speaking dementia caregivers.
Implementing Dementia Friendly Initiatives in the Community: Perceptions of Stakeholders in the USA and China
Authors: Sun Fei , Kim Ha Neul , Prieto Lucas , Conyers Christian , Opur Fredrika 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To address the exclusion of persons living with dementia (PWD), Dementia Friendly Initiatives (DFI) are being launched to build a friendly and supportive environment for PWD in the U.S.A, mainland China, and Taiwan. This study aims to identify the impact of DFI, the challenges DFI encountered, and strategies used to address such challenges within the COVID-19 context in American and Chinese societies. Individual interviews via Zoom with 9 stakeholders from the U.S.A, 8 from mainland China and one from Taiwan were transcribed for analyses. DFI have shown effectiveness in raising the public’s dementia awareness and engaging PWD in the community. COVID-19 pandemic posed the challenges of serving isolated PWD due to resources and attention shifted to COVID-19 prevention. Person-centered and technology-based means were used to deliver services for PWD during the pandemic. DFI in American and Chinese societies experienced similar sustainability challenges but showed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors Associated With Engaging in Regular Physical Activity Among Women Family Caregivers
Authors: Keller Abiola 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Regular physical activity is important for promoting the health of family caregivers. In this study, we used data from the 2015 and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire-Caregiver module to examine factors associated with meeting physical activity guidelines among women caregivers. Meeting physical activity guidelines was defined as participating in 150 minutes (or vigorous equivalent minutes) of physical activity weekly. We used survey-weighted multivariate regression analyses to examine relationships between sociodemographic, caregiving, and health characteristics and meeting physical activity guidelines. All variables were entered into the model simultaneously. The Wald test was used to test the significance of interactions between race and ethnicity and other covariates. 50.7% of 10,542 women caregivers met physical activity guidelines. The amount of time spent caregiving each week was not associated with the odds of meeting guidelines. Caregivers in the paid workforce had decreased odds (OR=0.73, 95%CI [0.62-0.87]) of meeting guidelines. Compared to women caregiving for &lt;6months, women caregiving for 6 months to 2 years had increased odds of meeting guidelines (OR =1.33, 95%CI [1.08-1.64]). Increasing education was associated with an increased odds of meeting guidelines, but being college educated had a more positive effect for Hispanic than white caregivers (pinteraction=0.03). Having children did not affect the odds of meeting guidelines for white caregivers, but for black caregivers having two or more children decreased the odds (pinteraction=0.03). Understanding how sociodemographic, caregiving, and health characteristics impact engagement in regular physical activity is critical to designing effective interventions and ultimately improving the health of caregivers.
Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network: Responding With Stress First Aid and Caring for Residents With Dementia
Authors: Caprio Thomas , Ganzel Barbara , Simning Adam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The GWEP at the University of Rochester (New York) has an established network of nursing homes participating in Project ECHO. This ECHO hub includes geriatric medicine, psychiatry, pharmacy, aging services network and the Alzheimer’s Association focusing on best practices in geriatric mental health and dementia care. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this infrastructure quickly pivoted to expansion of 80 facilities and the addition of expertise in medical direction, trauma informed care, and infectious disease. A stress first aid training module was developed in partnership with Ithaca College and the National Center for PTSD to support front line nursing home workers. Dementia care experts contributed to practical problem-solving in addressing social isolation and mental health. Work now is focusing on vaccination and how to best support trauma-informed needs of residents with dementia.